How Do You Prepare the Heating System of Your Home Before Winter

Hiring a heating maintenance service provider is a smart move just before the arrival of the winter. They can help to ensure that your heating system is ready to make your winter months comfortable. A maintained heating system is capable of operating efficiently. It will help you save money on your utility bills while preventing unwanted system breakdowns during extreme cold temperatures.

This post has listed some essential steps to prepare the heating system before winter.

Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up

Tuning the heating system is important because a lot may have happened when you shut off the system last spring. You may notice dust buildup on the system. Some dormant parts could have developed major issues. Such issues often go unnoticed until you operate the heating system in the winter.

It is wise to hire a professional heating maintenance service technician to schedule a timely heating system tune-up. They can clean and inspect the unit thoroughly. The experts can identify loose or broken connections sooner and fix them. This helps to prevent a major breakdown which could even lead to expensive repairs or leave you in the cold because of a broken heating system.

Change your Air Filter

The air filter of the HVAC system of your home works hard during the summer to trap dirt or dust. However, a dirty air filter can lead to major issues when you don't clean it thoroughly before winter. It forces the system to work harder when circulating the air throughout the house. Therefore, the primary way to prepare your heating system before winter is to equip it with a fresh air filter. Change it as and when required, as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Clean the Furnace

A timely heating system upkeep will ensure that the interior chambers of the furnace are clean. Nevertheless, the homeowner must make sure to keep the area around the heating system clutter-free. You can take the following steps.

• Remove dust to prevent them from entering the furnace system which may block the air filter.
• Ensure to remove any items kept around the heating system to prevent blocking of the airflow. Keep flammable objects away from the furnace system.
• The exterior panels and access doors should be firmly attached to the heating system, or else the system will not turn on.

Re-Program Your Thermostat

Change the settings of the programmable thermostat when it is time to switch to the heating mode during winter. Your temperature preference could differ and change seasonally. Here are some tips to adjust the thermostat of the heating system.

• Choose comfortable temperature setpoints when the home is occupied with a recommended 68 degrees to maximize heating efficiency.
• Lower thermostat temperatures to save energy and prevent heating waste during unoccupied periods. This can reduce energy consumption significantly.
• Choose the AUTO mode for fan settings. It will allow the blower to operate during the cycling of the heating system. This setting will prevent excess consumption of energy. It will also reduce the feeling of cool air blasting through the vents when the fan is running without heat.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and test each unit. These devices will alert you when combustion gases enter your home. It happens due to issues with the venting system or heat exchanger of the furnace system. However, timely professional heating and furnace services of your furnace are the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check Your Furnace's Intake and Exhaust Pipes

Examine the black or white PVC pipes that carry air to and from your furnace. The intake pipe should point downward and the exhaust pipe should point up. The intake should not be above the exhaust. This could bring harmful gases into your home. Ensure both pipes have at least five feet of clearance and are not damaged or obstructed. Call an HVAC company immediately when you suspect any issues.

Upgrade Your Outdated Heater

All your efforts to prepare the heating system before winter could go in vain if it is getting old. Assuming an outdated heater can last one more winter can be a big mistake. A furnace failure during the coldest time can be devastating, even if you get a quick replacement appointment.

Rushing these tasks may not give you enough time to consider all options or find the right features and capabilities for your needs. Replace it before it completely stops working if you know your furnace is near the end.

Preparing your heating system for winter is crucial to keep your home warm and comfortable when it counts. Professional heating maintenance service technicians offer the comprehensive services you need. You can hire them before winter for tune-ups and thermostat upgrades. These experts are skilled at providing emergency repairs to keep your system in top shape for the coldest days.

We are Southern California’s best residential plumbing, heating & air conditioning company. We service, repair, and install all kinds and brands of heaters and air conditioners along with drain cleaning.