Is your heating system ready for the cold winter season? If not, then you need to act fast. The season is upon us and you need to make sure that everyone will be toasty warm for the holidays.
If you want to keep your heater in top shape, you need to see to it that it is properly maintained. It will not just help you keep warm. It will also lengthen the lifespan of your heater. Taking care of your heater will help you avoid emergency repair situations that can be quite costly. When your heater breaks down in the middle of a very cold night, you will be desperate to have it fixed. That means you will not consider your choices carefully. You will probably end up taking the more expensive option.
The thing is, it does not have to be that way. You can avoid these problems if you only make sure that your heating system is well-maintained. And with the winter season upon us, here are a couple of maintenance tasks that you need to take care of as soon as possible.
Clean the air filters of your heating system
Some heating systems have disposable air filters. If this is what you have, then it is a simple thing to get a new air filter and replace the old one. But if you have the reusable ones, you have to take the time to clean it thoroughly before you put it back.
A clean air filter will ensure that dust and particles will not circulate your home. Not only that, it will help make your heater work efficiently. When your air filters are dirty, the heater will have to work harder to push air through. That means it will require more energy to function properly. So if you want to conserve energy, clean your air filters or replace it with a new one.
Inspect the ventilation system
This is a bit harder to do so you may want to hire a professional to help you out. The ductwork usually runs through the inner walls and ceilings of your home. This is where the heated air will move towards the different parts of your home or building. You may not see it, but it needs attention too. If you do not want to deal with this, call a professional to check it for you. Make sure that no leaks, clogs, corrosion, or dislocated parts will compromise the integrity of your heating system. The earlier you spot problems, the easier it will be to solve. It might even come out cheaper too.
Look out for molds in your heating system
Moisture is a huge problem because it can lead to mold and mildew. There is nothing you can do to avoid moisture. However, you can stop it from developing into molds. In case you spot any moisture where it should not be (e.g. walls, ceilings, etc), it should be investigated further. It may be caused by a leak somewhere. Mold and mildew can bring health hazards. So make sure you do not give it a chance to grow.
Check outer components
If your heater has an external condenser or other components, you need to check these out. To be specific, you need to make sure these are clean. They need as much attention as the interior unit of your heating system. In fact, this part may need more attention because these are exposed to the outdoor elements. Remove any debris or snow on it. Every time there is windy or stormy weather, visit the external components of your heater. Something may be blocking it or contaminating it. Make sure the 2 feet area around the intake valve is clear.
Stay ahead of replacing parts
This is why you need to conduct regular maintenance for your heating system. You need to stay ahead of any parts that need replacement. The sooner you can replace these, the less damage it can bring to the whole heater. You have to remember that no matter how sophisticated your heater may be, it will go through natural wear and tear. You need to make sure any parts will be replaced before it fails on you. Take note of the parts that need frequent replacement so you can plan for the expense. This will keep your maintenance costs lower.
Since you will be using your heating system this season, you need to work on these maintenance tasks immediately. Do not wait until the last minute. Do not wait for your heater to break down. It is better to work on it than suffer the consequences later on. Being busy is not an excuse. You can call a professional to help ensure that your heater will be in great condition during the cold winter months.
If you want to schedule a maintenance call and to get your heating system checked, out, contact us today.
