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How to Prep your Heating system for the Winter
When winter weather hits, you want to be cozy and warm inside, safe from the wind and cold! Avoid any surprises on that first cold night by prepping your heating system before winter arrives. A house’s heating system is integral during the winter. Read our checklist to make sure you have prepared your heating system.
Replace old air filters
Old and dirty air filters stress your heating system, decreasing its efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, an inefficient heating system would increase your utility bills.
It’s recommended to change your filters regularly throughout winter to avoid sediment and debris build-up and keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently.
A general rule to keep in mind: Replace air filters every 3 months to ensure efficient HVAC performance.
Lower the thermostat
Fun fact: the average household can save about 2 percent per month on their winter utility bills for every degree the thermostat is lowered. It may be worth it in the future to decrease the temperature in your house by 2 degrees now.
Moreover, you should invest in a programmable thermostat so you can decrease your temperature. Although it may be expensive at first, the ability to wirelessly change your house’s temperature can save you a ton of money in the future!
Seal all leaks
Leaks can cause cold air from the outside to enter the house, causing your heating system to work longer and harder. This will damage your utilities and unnecessarily waste energy.
Therefore, check your entire house and seal any leaks with weatherstripping and caulk. Don’t forget to check your roof and chimney, as warm air rises!
Clean the chimney (if applicable)
If you have an unclean chimney, please clean it. Unclean chimneys cause house fires and prevent the buildup of poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide, keeping your home from turning into a safety hazard. A clean chimney keeps your house safe, prevents cold drafts, and cuts down heating costs.
Use a flashlight to peer inside your chimney. Make sure there are no holes or obstructions such as bird nests, which could impair the functionality of your entire home.
Clean your gutters
Fall leaves and debris left in gutters over winter can clog drains, which can potentially cause ice dams and damage your drainage systems. This could result in water leaking into your home (via rain, sleet, or snow), damaging household furnishings, and raising your energy bills.
Clean out your drains and gutters now to prevent the hassle of repairing water damage later on. Be sure to routinely check for misalignments while running water through gutters so you can identify water damage.
Seal any ducts
20 percent of the heating that moves throughout the duct system can be lost in homes with central heating systems if the ducts are not organized and properly prepped for winter. However, many people tend to ignore them as ducts are usually stashed away in the attic or basement of most homes. Ducts that have been properly sealed could potentially save you $120 or more on your annual energy bill, so seal them immediately!
Unblock heating vents
Furniture and decorative furnishings are often placed in areas inside homes that unintentionally block heating vents. This can cause your heating system from working harder than necessary. Blocked vents can also lead to overheating of the furnace and can endanger your home. However, uncovered vents will allow heated air to get out and disperse evenly throughout the house, keeping your home warm and cozy. Therefore, take the time to check all vents in your house and ensure that they are uncovered.
The HVAC experts at Family Comfort recommend you get your home’s heating system professionally inspected to ensure it is working as efficiently as possible. Family Comfort offers a variety of services to help our customers prepare for the winter.
Our services include:
Furnace or heating tune-ups and service.
Furnace or heating repairs.
Heating system or furnace replacements.
Installation of heat pumps.
Ductless heating services.
And so much more!
Contact us today to get a professional inspection of your home!
Family Comfort is an HVAC company that has over 40 years of experience in plumbing repair and installation services. Family Comfort Plumbing Contractor strives to provide reliable and affordable repairs with exceptional customer service, which is why we remain one of the top contractors in New Jersey.
We also offer exceptional heating services. We use a special process to determine the right furnace installation or heating unit for your specific need. Our process will provide you with the correct heating system that will deliver maximum comfort and efficiency at the most economical rate for you and your family.
Moreover, if your heating system breaks down we offer:
24/7 Service. Furnaces don’t just break down during business hours. If it’s a cold night and you can’t heat your home effectively, call us immediately and we will come to you. When you have young children or elderly housemates, you can’t afford to spend a night shivering in the cold. Call us and we’ll come to you when you need us.
Done right the first time. We stand by our work and make sure it’s done right the first time, every time. We aren’t leaving until we’re satisfied that your house is heated well and you are happy with the work that we’ve done.
No charge for travel time. We charge for the work we do, and nothing more. While some companies like to charge customers for the drive-over, we refused to charge our customers more than they owe for the work we do. The drive over is on us.
Bibliography
“Is Your Heating System Ready for Fall & Winter?” Assured Comfort, Assured Comfort,