The U.S. Department of Energy says you should set your household thermostat to 68 degrees, which might sound good for summertime.
In winter, though, you might find yourself cranking up the heat to make your house warmer and more comfortable.
And that’s okay — most people do the same when cold weather rolls in.
Before you switch from air-conditioning to heating, you should make sure your system is in tip-top shape.
Heater maintenance can ensure you have a functioning source of warmth. Here are our top five heater maintenance tips.
1. Check the Thermostat
Don’t just look at your thermostat and trust it’s working properly — put it to the test.
Turn up your thermostat several degrees above the temperature at which it’s currently set. You should hear the heater turn on and, shortly thereafter, you should start to feel the warmth.
If all goes to plan, then you have a functioning furnace and thermostat. Do this twice a year to make sure everything’s in working order.
2. Replace Your Filters
Next, you should make sure you routinely change your air filters.
If they become overloaded with dust and debris, it can be hard for your heater to pump out air efficiently.
Plus, it can reduce indoor air quality as it pushes these particles into your abode.
So, check your filters monthly and swap them every 90 days or so.
Be sure to follow the guidance on the filter’s packaging and don’t go over the suggested lifespan.
It’s meant to be the very maximum amount of time you can use your filter without causing damage or delay in heating.
3. Clean the Outside Unit, Too
Your heater’s not just functioning inside of your home. It’s drawing air from the exterior, warming it up, and then pumping it into your living space.
To make sure it can perform its first task efficiently, clean around the outside of your unit, too.
Remove any debris that clings to it and stalls air intake.
And, if it snows in wintertime, shovel the icy precipitation away so your heater can continue to breathe.
4. Dust and Unblock Vents
Heat won’t emerge from your ducts if the vents are blocked. And having pent-up hot air in the ducts can cause stress and damage to your furnace.
So, go room to room and make sure every vent is open and clear.
Remove any debris, pet hair or other blockages from the area so that heat can flow freely and cleanly into your home.
5. Plug Any Cracks or Holes
Finally, you don’t want to overwork your heater. But it will be forced to churn out more hot air if the heat it makes is quickly and constantly escaping through cracks, drafty windows, and doors.
Inspect your home, especially rooms or areas where it gets notoriously chilly in winter.
Are there any gaps that you can plug with caulk? Or, can you cover your drafty windows with a layer of plastic to keep heat inside?
This maintenance task will help your home retain heat, thus lessening the load on your furnace.
Make Heater Maintenance a Pre-Winter Priority
Your furnace might not get through winter without heater maintenance.
So, follow this list to figure out what your central heating system needs to be a success when you need it most.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us for all of your HVAC-related repairs and needs.
Time to replace your heating system? Contact the Surprisingly Affordable HVAC experts at Scottsdale Air Heating & Cooling to get more information. Call 480-359-7141
Read more articles about HVAC:
