Southern Arizona has one of the hottest climates in the United States, but that doesn’t mean residents will never need the service of heating systems. Winter nights can turn unpleasant when the temperature drops, and there will always be those surprise chilly days. If you live here, you want to make sure you’ve got a heater ready to handle the unexpected.
At Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning, many of the problems we often see during our Tucson, AZ heating repair calls stem from a buildup of dust and dirt. Because heaters in Arizona don’t get as heavy use as air conditioners, they often get left without proper maintenance and cleaning, allowing dust and dirt to cause some of these issues:
Clogged air filters: The air filter in a furnace or a heat pump performs the important function of protecting the interior components from damage. If the filter becomes excessively clogged, not only will this threaten the workings of the heater, it will cut down on the airflow through your vents. This will make it more difficult to heat your home, and it will also make the heater work harder and consequently wear down faster. Make sure to change the filter once a month during heating season to prevent this.
Damaged motor parts: Dust that infiltrates heating systems, often because of air filter trouble (see above) will interfere in the operation of the moving parts of the heater. The motors of furnaces and heat pumps are particularly sensitive to a build-up of grime, which can cause them to overheat and eventually burn out.
Failed pilot lights and gas jets: If too much dirt and dust collect along the burner unit in a gas-powered heater, it will block proper airflow. Flames need oxygen to survive, so a grimy burner will prevent the pilot light or the gas jets from coming on and providing the vital heat for the system to work.
Poor indoor air quality: During cold weather, you’ll want to keep your home sealed against the outside as much as possible so that heat can’t escape. But this sealed environment will trap dust as well. If too much dust has gathered inside your ducts, a forced-air heater will blow it all around your house, reducing your air quality.
Goettl Good Guys Air Conditioning can help out if you need heating service in Tucson, AZ. Our technicians can handle repairs from dirt infiltration and take care of the necessary cleaning to get your system working once more. We also have duct cleaning specialists on staff. Contact us today to get clean heating this winter.
