With colder weather quickly approaching, it is time to start getting your heater in shape for the season. To help keep your home warm when the snow falls, there are several simple things you can do to prepare your heating system. With these tips, you can keep your house warm and keep your heating costs under control as well.
Preparing Heating Systems for the Winter
After sitting idle all spring and summer long, you need to make sure your heater is ready to tackle the colder temperatures of late fall and winter. By preparing your furnace or heating system properly, you can help prevent the need for a heating repair by making sure your system keeps running. One of the first things you should do is call a local company to have your system professionally inspected.
Heater Inspection
The best months to start preparing your heating system are September and October, depending on where you live. There are still plenty of warm days left in those months before temperatures start falling, and you need to turn your home’s heating system on to stay warm. Contact an HVAC company to inspect your system to make sure there are no holes in the duct work, the thermostat is operating correctly, and the system will turn on when it is needed.
Change the Filters
Even though your system hasn’t been on for several months, you should change the air filter and make sure you have enough on hand to last the entire winter. A clogged air filter will not only cause dirt to get into your heating system, but it will force it to work harder to adequately heat your home. If it has to work harder, that means it will use more energy to work properly, and that will increase your heating bill. The air filter should be changed at least every ninety days to keep your system working efficiently.
Clean the Air Ducts
Along with making sure the heater is working correctly, you should also inspect and vacuum out the air ducts before using your system this winter. Dust and debris can accumulate in the air ducts and restrict the air flow, which can prevent the warm air from properly heating your home. Simply use your vacuum’s hose attachment to reach down into the ducts and vacuum out anything that could be blocking the free flow of air.
By having your heating system inspected and prepared for winter, you can prevent the need for an emergency heating repair and keep your heating bills under control. Your home will also stay warmer without causing your bill to escalate when you take the time to properly prepare your heating system for the cold winter months. To know more about heating repair visit Rockford Heating & Air Conditioning. You can also connect with them on Facebook.