Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve already experienced some chilly weather this fall. Once this time of year rolls around you never know when a cold snap might strike. Temperatures can be mild one day and below freezing the next, which is why it’s so important to make sure your home’s heating system is operating properly.
Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to help your heating system work effectively and efficiently, helping you and your family stay comfortable no matter how cold it gets outside. In this article, we’ll share some tips with you and explain how Home Climates can help. Keep reading to learn more about preparing your heating system for chilly weather!
How can I help prepare my heating system for the cold?
Once people start their heating systems, they usually don’t stop needing them until spring. That means the average heating system is used for about half the year. Here are a few tips that should help you prepare your heater for the cold weather ahead:
- Check your thermostat and make sure it is working properly. Energy saving tip – if you have a gas system you can set it as low as is comfortable in the winter and lower it further when you’re sleeping or away from home. For heat pumps, the best strategy is to leave the thermostat at one constant temperature–set it and forget it. When you set back the temperature on a heat pump, it relies on the more expensive electric resistance, backup heat to bring the temperature up rapidly. It’s more cost-effective to let the heat pump work to maintain temperature.
- Check and replace filters on furnaces once a month or as recommended. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and efficiency and cause indoor air quality to decrease because of the constant circulation of dirt and dust particles.
- Keep your outside unit clear if you have a heat pump system. Remove any leaves, snow, ice, or debris that might block the airflow or damage the unit.
- Keep internal vents clean and unobstructed. Vacuum or dust the warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed. Make sure they are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
- For gas systems, know where your outside vents are located. Keep them clear of leaves, snow, or other obstacles. Blocked vents can cause your systems to shut down for safety. Ask your technician to point these out at your tune-up.
- Don’t overwork the system by setting the temperature too high or opening windows when the heater is on. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the system and increase your energy bills.
- Schedule professional maintenance on a yearly basis. This is one of the best ways to ensure that your heating system will be ready for the cold weather. Your HVAC professional will provide you with recommendations for effective, efficient heating.
Can Home Climates help me get the heating maintenance I need?
At Home Climates, we’re pleased to provide comprehensive heating maintenance for our customers. Our expert technicians will provide, at the minimum, the following:
- Perform safety check
- Proper operation of the thermostat
- Inspect all motors
- Inspect and test all electrical components
- Run combustion analytics
- Verify gas pressure
- Cleaning/replacement of filter
- Inspect/clean intake and exhaust vents
- Inspect the condition of the coils
- Verify proper sequencing/operation of backup heat (if applicable)
- Inspect for any accumulated particulates (such as dust and mold)
For more information, visit our Heating Tune-Ups page on our website. And, if you need to schedule heating maintenance, we’re ready to help you get the services you need to stay warm and comfortable, no matter how chilly it gets outside. Just give us a call at 717.689.4151, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
