How to Make Sure Your Heating System is Ready for Winter

Can you feel it?! There’s a familiar chill in the air! A Maine winter is around the corner, and those freezing temperatures mean more work for your heating system. You want the best performance out of your boiler, furnace or heat pump. You also want to make sure it’s running at top efficiency.

Follow these tips to make sure your heating system is up to the challenge:

Change the Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your furnace is one of the simplest but most important items you can keep up on. Air filters trap all those unwanted particles and pollutants blowing through your ductwork, and they also contribute considerably to the efficiency of your unit. Be sure to start the heating system with a new, clean air filter, and we recommend changing your filter on a monthly basis during the heavy heating season.

Test Your Thermostat

Before it gets too cold, do a test run of your thermostat and zones to make sure everything is working properly. You don’t want to find out when it’s below zero that you have a problem. Turn your thermostat up, and make sure the heat kicks on. Let it run a good 15 minutes or so. Check your registers for warm air coming out throughout your house. If your heat doesn’t seem to be working properly – now is the time to call your HVAC company for a checkup.

Clean Around Your Vents, Radiators and Registers

During the warmer months, it’s not uncommon to move furniture and other obstructions in front of heating registers. This can impede the flow of warm air and stop your home from heating evenly. Blocked vents can also force your system to work harder than it needs to – even to the point that it overheats! Remove anything that is next to, up against, or laying on top of any of your heating system elements so your system can run efficiently and safely.

Inspect & Clean the Chimney

If your heating system vents out a chimney, or you use a fireplace for additional heat, make sure to inspect and clean it annually. Birds nests, fallen leaves, and other obstructions can build up in the chimney. These blockages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as being fire hazards, so take this chore very seriously!

Seal Up Air Leaks

What good is heat if you are letting it go out your doors and windows?! Sealing up air leaks can save at least 10% on your energy costs. You will feel a lot more comfortable in your home if you keep the heat inside, and seal up air loss and drafts.

Check Your Fire Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Speaking of carbon monoxide, when heating systems start running regularly, you want to be sure all their combustion gasses are safely leaving your living spaces. Push the “test” buttons to make sure the alarms are working, and put in fresh batteries. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” so it’s nothing to overlook.

Schedule Your Annual Maintenance Appointment

It’s important to have your heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned up every year. A lot of heating issues can go undetected to the untrained eye (and ear), but if they are caught early, it can save a lot of headaches. You always want the peace of mind knowing that your heating system is working safely, reliably, and efficiently.

Call Warm Waters for all your heating system needs – we’re here to help!