Avoid a Broken Heater | Preparing for Winter pt. 1
Winter weather is finally here, and that means your cold home is going to need the help of a heater! Your HVAC system generally has a heating component, so warmer temps are only a button push away – but in the interest of the health of your system, don’t switch it on immediately. After lying dormant for the past 6-8 months, your heater shouldn’t be sent immediately into overdrive. To avoid a broken heater, follow these tips before turning the heat on:
Change Your Filter(s)
This should be done monthly (or if you have a system that utilizes thicker filters, up to every three months,) to keep your system running as efficiently as possible. It’s even more important to change your filters for a new season – you always want to start with what is essentially a “clean slate.” Your filters help your system breathe better, and when you’re turning on a component for the first time in more than 6 months, you want as much airflow as possible to lighten the workload on your system.
Have Your Ducts Cleaned
Similar to changing your filters, having your ducts cleaned can help to ease the load on your system as well as improve your home’s air quality. Your ducts can be a breeding ground for mold and other undesirables, and the last thing you want is to circulate it throughout your home! If you can’t remember when your ducts were last cleaned – give us a call. We’re happy to come out and take a look and if you don’t need it, we won’t do it!
Check Your Exterior Vents
It’s important to check your vents on the exterior of your home to make sure that they’re clear of debris or other blockages. Sometimes people will store things against the exterior of their home, inadvertently blocking the intake and/or exhaust vents. It’s also a good idea to make sure that no critters have made their way into the vents – warmer spots will always attract little animals trying to escape the cold. Save yourself from a broken heater and keep these areas clear!
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
When was the last time your system was professionally serviced? Your HVAC system is just like your car – it’s a major investment that should last at least 10 years and you should treat it as such! Your system should be serviced bi-annually, and if you have been slacking it’s best to have a technician come out and give it a check-up before you have to turn on your heat for the first time. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent having to deal with a broken heater – protect your investment and give us a call!
Like it or not, winter is here! Follow our tips to prevent having to suffer through the next cold front with a broken heater and if you have any questions, please give us a call. Keep an eye out for our next installment of winter-prep tips soon!
- Blog
- Community Happenings
- Energy Savers
- Health Benefits
- How to know the problem
- HVAC Problems
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Most Popular
- Projects
- Repair Tips