Are you ready to make your home snug and comfortable for the winter? Don’t forget to include your heating system in your fall chore list. Heating Specialties of South Jersey, can help you take important steps now to maximize your system’s performance this winter. Remember, Heating Specialties is here for all your home heating needs. Read on for our winter preparation tips:
Schedule a heating system tune-up
You’re asking your heating system to do a lot this winter. You want comfortable air with no surprises and winter breaks. Give it a head start with a heating system tune-up. This annual appointment is worth the money you’ll spend up front, especially if your Heating Specialties technician identifies issues and solves them before they give you any winter chills. We’ll also fully inspect your system, checking for any loose connections, worn belts, or broken wires, and give it a thorough cleaning.
Do a test run
It’s always a good idea to make sure your heating system is working before you need it. When you turn on your furnace for the first time, you may notice a slight burning smell. That’s normal. Dust can settle on your unit during the summer months, causing a burning smell that quickly dissipates. Once the heat is running, take a walk through the house and note any areas that aren’t heating properly. Listen for any unusual noises and smells like burning wires or damp, musty odors. These could indicate potential problems that warrant a closer look by a Heating Specialties professional.
Check your air filters
A dirty air filter is an immediate hindrance in the race to keep your home warm this winter. Start with a fresh filter so your system isn’t overtaxed. Remember to replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Give the area around your heating system a thorough cleaning
Is your heating system surrounded by clutter, like the summer beach towels or the boxes you forgot to put away? We won’t judge you for the mess, but we will recommend giving the area a good cleaning to give it space to work. Remember, any flammable items should be at least six feet away from your heating system.
Clean the area around your outdoor unit
After you’ve tackled the indoor unit, head outdoors to make sure your outdoor cooling unit is ready for its winter nap. Trim back overgrown foliage and remove any branches or limbs that could fall and damage the unit during a winter storm. Rake the leaves and remove the grass clippings that are stuck on the fins from your summer chores. Your outdoor unit should have an on/off switch that’s near the refrigerant lines. Turn it off for the winter so you’re not paying for an accidental cooling cycle.
Set your thermostat for its winter schedule
Your family’s schedule is changing, and you may be going to bed earlier or spending more time indoors. Fall is a great time to review your thermostat schedule. You also may want to consider a thermostat upgrade in time for the winter months. Newer thermostat models do a better job reading the temperature and keeping your home at the ideal setting. Some smart thermostats will even “read” your family’s activities and set a schedule that complements with their comings and goings.
Open your vents
It’s tempting to close the vents in rooms you’re not using, but this well-intentioned move can result in unwelcome heating issues. Your home’s ventilation system was designed to work as one. When you close a vent, you’re putting additional pressure on the system and running the risk of leaks or cracks. Open all your vents, and make sure your current furniture arrangement isn’t blocking the airflow.
Check your carbon monoxide detectors
When your heating system burns fuel, it runs the risk of producing carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can build up and be potentially fatal. Your furnace or other heating system has safety measures in place to ensure your family’s health, but occasionally something can go wrong. That’s why we encourage our customers to have carbon monoxide detectors. These battery-powered or battery-backup detectors should be replaced every five years. Test your system by pressing and holding the test button on the alarm. Remember, if your carbon monoxide detector alarm ever goes off, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.
Winter is on its way to South Jersey. Schedule your heating system tune-up now to stay ahead of the cold weather demands. Call Heating Specialties at (866) 923-2653 or reaching out online to schedule an appointment. Stay warm with Heating Specialties.