As first-time homeowners, my husband and I had no idea there were so many maintenance tasks.
We learned about most of the household upkeep due to repairs.
When the water heater ruptured and flooded the basement, we hired a plumber who explained the importance of draining the tank every year. When the water pressure from the faucets and shower head diminished, we googled and started cleaning aerators regularly. Our second winter in the house, the output of the furnace steadily diminished. We kept raising the thermostat setting, forcing the heater to run just about non stop. Our monthly heating bills were huge and yet the house felt chilly. I finally scheduled a repair with a local HVAC contractor. He started by checking the air filter, which was completely clogged. He then removed the outer cabinet, inspected the inner workings and found a significant accumulation of dust and other debris. He said that this build was restricting airflow and preventing the furnace from operating at maximum capacity. The technician proceeded to thoroughly clean all components, lubricate moving parts, test the start-up sequence, calibrate the thermostat, tighten electric connections and check the burner assembly. The service took several hours but made a significant improvement in the operation of the furnace. I was able to lower the thermostat setting and yet enjoy a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. The heating system made less noise, ran for shorter cycles and provided cleaner indoor air quality. Plus, there was a significant reduction in our monthly energy bills. From now on, I will schedule furnace maintenance every fall.