As residents of “The Garden State,” we are familiar with how quickly delightful, sunny autumn weather can turn into wind-driven ice and snow. Before the gale force winds begin whipping around your southern New Jersey home, your friends at Heating Specialties have a few tips for readying your HVAC system. After all, no one wants a furnace issue when the temps dip below zero!
Replace filters
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep your HVAC system in good running order is to check air filters every month and replace them when they are dirty … at least once every three months. Dusty, dirty filters make the HVAC system work harder, adding unneeded wear and tear. Tip: Make “check the furnace filter” a recurring monthly event on your calendar!
Clean the air vents
When you replace the air filter, take time to vacuum off the air vents. You will be amazed at how much this will improve airflow and even heating in your home!
Listen to your furnace
When you turn your furnace on, check for unusual sounds. Consider a banging or rattling sound as a cry for help from your furnace. (And a good time to call your friends at Heating Specialties!)
Is there moisture?
While you want to maintain some humidity in your home (especially in winter to prevent annoying static electricity), too much moisture is a problem. If you see water droplets on your windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe, your HVAC system isn’t functioning properly.
How does it feel in here?
Once your furnace has been running for an hour or so, walk through your home and make sure your home is heating evenly. One room should not be noticeably colder than others.
Insulation check
Your attic is more than a place to stick your holiday ornaments and your kids’ forgotten toys. It’s a prime place to lose heat (remember, heat rises!). If you can see the floor joists, you need additional insulation, according to EnergyStar.gov.
One of Heating Specialties’ skilled technicians can perform a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to regular pre-season maintenance. This will ensure that all parts are cleaned, drained and lubricated and all assembly and burner controls are working correctly. A thorough inspection will also verify that the heat exchanger is doing its job and the flue system is free of cracks and corrosion.
Our technician may have other recommendations as well, depending on the age of the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your old HVAC system with a new high-efficiency model can reduce your home’s annual energy bill by as much as 20 – 40 percent.
Contact Heating Specialties today at (866) 923-2653 for expert furnace maintenance, repair or replacement services.