Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter

Winter is about here, and that means lots of 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 reliable, safe, and running at top efficiency.

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

Change the Air Filter

Keeping the air filter in your furnace changed regularly is simple maintenance that provides a lot of payback. Air filters ensure your indoor air quality is healthy, and they also contribute to how energy efficient your unit runs.

According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can help to save you up to 15% on your energy bill.

Be sure to start the heating system with a new, clean air filter. During the heavy heating months, we recommend changing your filter every 30 – 45 days.

Test Your Thermostat

Do a test run of your thermostat and all your heat zones to make sure everything is working properly. You don’t want to find out you have a problem when it’s below zero outside. Make sure your thermostat kicks on right away when you turn it up. Check all your registers for warm air. If your heat doesn’t seem to be working properly – now is the time to call a licensed heating company for a checkup.

Clean Around Your Heat Registers, Vents and Radiators

During the warm months, many of us move furniture and other obstructions in front of heat registers. This can block the flow of warm air and prevent even heat from moving throughout your home. Blocked vents restrict heat flow which makes your system work harder than it needs to. Be sure to move anything that is very close 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 woodstove or fireplace, make sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned every year. Fallen leaves and debris, bird nests, and other obstructions can build up in the chimney. These blockages can lead to extremely dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as being serious fire hazards. Take this chore very seriously!

There are an estimated 25,000 chimney fires annually in the US, accounting for nearly 125 million dollars in property loss.

Seal Up Air Leaks

Running the heat isn’t very helpful if you are letting it go out your windows and doors! You will feel a lot more comfortable in your home, and about your heating bill, if you keep the heat inside.

Sealing up air leaks can save at least 10% on your energy costs.

Check Your Fire Alarm & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

When winter temperatures plummet, your heating systems run for hours. Most heating systems run on combustion which creates very toxic gas known as carbon monoxide (CO). It’s called the “silent killer” for a reason.

Every year, almost 500 people die in the U.S. from accidental CO poisoning. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental CO poisoning.

Be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors, as well as fire detectors, installed throughout your home. Change the batteries every 6 months, and push the “test” buttons to make sure the alarms are working properly.

Schedule Your Annual Heating Inspection & Cleaning

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