Winter is on its way, but before it arrives in full force, you need to make sure your furnace or other heating system is ready for the workout that lies ahead. Proper maintenance will ensure your heating stays on when you need it most, and that your system runs efficiently.
Change the air filter.
Changing the filter is easy and relatively inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to do it as often as the manufacturer recommends. A clean filter will help keep dirt out of the system’s moving parts. It will also promote good airflow, so that your system doesn’t have to work harder to heat your home. Efficient operation also means you’ll pay less on utility bills.
Reprogram the thermostat for winter.
If you have a programmable thermostat, reset it so the heating system runs a few degrees cooler when the household is asleep or away. You can schedule it to run a few degrees higher when people are active. Without a programmable model, you’ll have to remember to manually reset the thermostat at night and when you leave home. Consider investing in a programmable model.
Check the vents.
Check your HVAC vents for dirt and dust. Remove grilles and clean them and the vents. Make sure there are no obstructions in front of the vents so that your heated air can circulate properly. If you have a heat pump, make sure there are no obstructions, weeds, grass or other debris around the outdoor compressor.
Schedule professional maintenance.
You should have your furnace or other type of heating inspected every year before you use it. A professional inspection often helps detect potential parts failures before they occur, so you can replace them before they turn into big malfunctions. Among the tasks that your HVAC tech should perform are these: check thermostat and controls; check electrical and gas connections; check exhaust flue; inspect burners and heat exchanger; also, check gas pressure.
For more on preparing your furnace for winter, contact Aggressive Mechanical Contractors. We’ve served Monmouth County for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Monmouth County, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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