Can you feel that nip in the air? Fall is here with winter’s chill peeking over our shoulders. Wait too long to prepare your home heater for its annual winter workout and you could get left out in the cold. Here are some tips on how to get your heating unit ready for hot action. By following these simple steps that include getting a visit from a certified service technician and making sure your heating unit is covered with a warranty, you can face the coldest season from the comfortable confines of your well heated home.
Step 1: Before Cold Sets In, Turn On Regularly
The most common phrase HVAC companies hear during the first cold snap of the year is, “I just turned on my heat for the first time this year, and it doesn’t work.” The only way to make sure your heating unit will work when it’s needed most is to test run it each season. Keeping it in sporadic use helps your HVAC system stay ready. Make sure to vary temperature settings during testing.
Step 2: Clear Unit of Debris
Your heating unit warrants the same care as your A/C. Leaves, trash and other items that collect when it’s idle will curtail its optimum use and could eventually lead to a systems failure. Make a point to clear it when you’re raking those fall leaves in the backyard. Also, blower fans should be kept dust-free.
Step 3: Baseboard Cleaning
Not only must you keep the outside unit clear, but houses heated with hot water and/or electric baseboard heating must have those baseboard convectors and radiators kept clean. Obstructions from objects, dirt, even dust will prevent it from running efficiently and may lead to bigger headaches.
Step 4: Change/Clean Filters
Replaceable filters should be checked and replaced once a month in the fall, and twice a month in the winter. Permanent filters should be cleaned at least once a month. This is an essential step to preserve the longevity of your unit and keep it operating smoothly.
Step 5: Make Sure To Have a Service Plan and Home Warranty
No matter how much care you give your heater, unless you are a certified technician you won’t be able to handle every issue that arises. Storms and accidents happen, therefore you need a service plan that affords you access to a certified technician. And even they can’t solve every problem, so a home warranty that covers a replacement unit is also critical.
