Before the cold Yucaipa winter season sets in, it’s necessary to ensure that your heating system is in good functioning condition. It isn’t ever a good idea to just wait until you need to use it every day to try it out for the first time. Rather, there are various tasks that you’ll want to complete as a homeowner to get your heating system ready.
Book Maintenance Service
Probably the most crucial task under your belt is to book professional maintenance services. This will ensure that your heating system is functioning as optimally as possible so you don’t waste money on excessive energy bills throughout the winter season. This also alerts you of any potential problems with your system to ensure they can be fixed before the cold weather arrives. This goes a very long way in reducing your risk of an unexpected breakdown.
HVAC Filter Change
Most HVAC systems will have a built-in filter that’s responsible for trapping airborne particles. This protects the internal components of your heating system and boosts the overall air quality inside your home. Before starting to run your heating system for the winter, consider installing a fresh air filter. Be sure to keep a spare filter on hand so that you can change out the next dirty one quickly.
Chimney Sweeping
If you rely on a fuel-burning furnace, then having a chimney that is free from soot and creosote is key. To ensure your chimney is clean and in good working order, hire a chimney sweep. Apart from cleaning your furnace, they’ll also inspect it to ensure there are no leaks as optimal safety is imperative to your overall wellbeing.
Test Safety Devices
Anytime you’re running a heating system, you must have safety devices to alert you of a malfunction. At the bare minimum, you need to have smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Type C fire extinguishers are ideal for putting out electrical HVAC fires. However, investing in a Type ABC fire extinguisher will ensure you can put out all different types of combustible materials. Furthermore, if your system burns fuel to create heat, consider investing in carbon monoxide detectors to protect against exposure to this potentially deadly gas. Test all your detectors and ensure they have fresh batteries going into winter.
Order Fuel
Having a fuel storage tank is an absolute necessity if your heating system uses heating oil or propane. Now is the perfect time to order fuel for your tank. Sign up for automatic delivery service so you never run out of fuel during winter.
Test Your System
We highly recommend that you test your heating system while the weather is still nice. With a pre-season test run, you can readily identify any problems and fix them before the cooling season begins. Once you turn on your system, walk to each supply vent to verify that warm air is coming out. Ensure you remove any grime or built-up debris on the vent to ensure optimal airflow. Check that there are no obstructions around the vent, like furniture, that could restrict its airflow.
Switch Ceiling Fan Settings
Use ceiling fans to help regulate the temperature inside your home throughout the year. When we transition to wintertime, set the fans to spin in a clockwise direction. This will strategically move hot air stuck at the top of your rooms back down to the floor for continuous use. This will go a long way in reducing your heating bills over the winter season.
Seal Up Air Leaks
Over time, air leaks can open up around the door and window frames on your exterior walls as a natural result of your home settling into the ground. Check all these frames and seal up any air leaks that you happen to find. Typically, caulking or weatherstripping will do the trick. Adding foam insert pads behind the cover plates for your outlets and light switches on your exterior walls will further keep the cold air out.
Reliable HVAC Maintenance Service
Of Course! Heating and Cooling offers reliable HVAC maintenance service for the whole Yucaipa, CA community. We can also help with all your heating needs as well as comprehensive air conditioning, electrical, and indoor air quality services. Call our friendly staff today to schedule your appointment.
Today!
