Winter snows come with many homeowner issues, from freezing pipes to snow-covered driveways. With the cold approaching, it’s time to winterize your home heating system and prepare for the long winter with these tips.
First, before we delve into these tips, let’s talk about some statistics surrounding heating system problems due to lack of maintenance.
Lack of Heating System Maintenance Issues
We understand time runs away with you, and heating system maintenance may be last on your list of a hundred things to do before winter hits. Maybe you don’t remember when you replaced your filter last. Still, because of this minor issue and more, you could be stuck with no heat or heating problems if you forget about the crucial process of maintenance. Don’t be caught with these winter issues:
- Uneven airflow and temperature
- Dirty heater filters
- Broken thermostat
- Frozen pipes
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Faulty pilot light
- Malfunctioning heat pump
Now think about a significant winter snowstorm barreling down on you. Are you ready? Is your furnace?
Schedule a Furnace Check-up
It’s a good idea to get a maintenance check of your heating system to ensure all is working correctly and no issues found. It’s better to be proactive than to be caught in a historic snowstorm when your heating goes out. An HVAC specialist comes out and does a 21-point inspection and checks your furnace, filter, thermostat, and more.
You can expect an expert to clean and check burners, pilot assembly, check the flame sensor, ignitor resistance, and more. If you need more filters, they replace them. According to the EPA, you should change your filters every three months. A dirty filter can prevent air from entering the furnace, resulting in overheating, which causes the heater to work harder, thus increasing your energy bill. Here are more winter preparation steps to ensure your heating system is ready for a snowstorm.
- Check Your Home’s Insulation. Look for drafts around windows and doors, and seal up any air leaks. Check your attic to ensure the right amount of insulation.
- Keep Vents Clear. You may think it’s no big deal your kids throw their clothes over the vents, or you warm your socks on them. Still, it’s imperative to keep them clean to keep airflow moving; this helps vents reach the desired temperature and prevents overheating.
- Consider Investing in a Generator. Power could go out during a snowstorm, so you might consider getting a generator to keep your HVAC system working. Ask a technician for help in choosing the right one.
- Check Your Thermostat. Do a quick inspection to ensure it’s reading your temperature right. A programmable thermostat takes the worry off you because it can control your home’s HVAC system even when you’re not home.
- Keep Extra Filters Around. When it’s frigid outside, your heating system will run more, increasing clogged filters. Having a few extra filters around ensures your heater works efficiently.
Call Black Diamond Experts
Now is the time to contact our expert technicians to help you prepare for the coming winter. Schedule an appointment for us to inspect your furnace and ensure you’re system-ready for any snowstorm that comes your way. Call us today!