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As winter approaches, it's time to ensure your heating system is ready for the cold months ahead. A well-maintained heater keeps you warm and can save you money on energy bills. Ticking off simple maintenance tasks can give you peace of mind and help avoid costly emergency repairs.
A winter heater checklist covers important steps so your system is in top shape. From changing filters to testing thermostats, these checks ensure your heater runs safely and efficiently all winter.
Preparing Your Heating System for Winter
Getting your heating system ready for winter helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your home warm. Regular maintenance can also save you money and extend your system's lifespan.
Inspecting and Replacing the Air Filter
Check your heating system's air filter monthly. To avoid your system working harder than it needs to. Hold the filter up to a light source. If you can't see through it, it's time for a replacement. Most filters need changing every 1-3 months but some last longer than others, so check the packaging and keep spare filters on hand for quick changes.
Clean or vacuum around the filter area before putting in a new one and make sure the arrow on the filter points toward the furnace to ensure proper airflow.
Checking the Pilot Light and Ignition System
For gas furnaces, check the pilot light. It should be blue with a small yellow tip. If it's mostly yellow or flickering, you could have a gas flow problem.
Newer furnaces often have electronic ignition instead of a pilot light and you should test your system by turning up the thermostat. Listen for the ignition sound and if you don't hear it or the furnace doesn't start, there might be an issue.
If you're uncomfortable checking these parts, schedule a professional inspection as a technician can spot problems you might miss and keep your system running smoothly.
Enhancing Heating Efficiency
You can take simple steps to boost your home's heating efficiency and these changes will help you stay warm and save money on energy bills.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat gives you better control over your home's temperature and you can set schedules that fit your routine. Many models learn your habits and adjust automatically. Smart thermostats also let you control the heat from your phone, meaning you can turn it down when you're away and warm up your home before you return.
Some devices even track your energy use and show you how to save more on heating costs. Many power companies offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, resulting in extra savings.
Sealing Drafts with Caulk and Weatherstripping
Cold air sneaking in through gaps makes your heater work harder so check around windows and doors for drafts. Use caulk for small cracks and weatherstripping for larger gaps. Apply caulk to the edges of window frames and where walls meet floors and put weatherstripping in the spaces around doors and windows that open.
You also need to focus on less obvious spots by looking for holes where pipes or wires enter your home. Seal these openings to keep warm air inside.
Adjusting Ceiling Fan Blades for Optimal Warmth
Your ceiling fan can help spread warm air in winter by ensuring the blades turn clockwise. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling. It spreads heat more evenly through the room. Run the fan at its lowest speed for the best effect as it might allow you to lower your thermostat a degree or two.
Safety Measures and Energy Savings
Keeping your home warm and safe during winter requires attention to safety measures and energy-saving practices.
Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are vital for home safety and should be placed near bedrooms and living areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly. If the alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call the emergency services. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making detectors crucial for early warning.
Consider detectors with digital displays to show CO levels and some models link to smart home systems for remote alerts. You should replace these units every 5-7 years for best protection.
Utilizing Space Heaters and Humidifiers Wisely
Space heaters can warm specific areas, but use them carefully. Keep heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items and never leave them on while sleeping or when you're away. Choose models with tip-over and overheating shut-offs.
Humidifiers add moisture to dry winter air which can help you feel warmer at lower thermostat settings. Clean humidifiers regularly to prevent mold growth and use distilled water to reduce mineral buildup.
Both devices can raise energy bills if overused so set timers to control usage and costs.
Protecting Exposed Pipes from Winter Storms
Frozen pipes can burst, causing costly damage which is why you need to insulate pipes in colder parts of your home. Use foam sleeves or heat tape for extra protection and during cold snaps, let faucets drip slowly to prevent freezing. It’s also a good practice to open cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach pipes under sinks.
Locate your main water shut-off valve so if a pipe bursts you can turn off the water supply quickly to minimize damage.
For your outdoor spigots, remove the hoses and drain the lines before the first freeze. You could also consider installing frost-proof spigots for added protection.
Speak to us today to discuss your heating needs for this coming winter.
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