Maintenance For Your Heating System This Winter: 4 Tips
Your furnace and entire heating system need proper maintenance all season long in addition to the off-season. Neglecting your system may result in your system not running as it should, which may cause your heating bills to go up or breakdowns of your system to occur. Maintain your system by following the tips below.
1. Keep The Vents Clear
Part of your heating maintenance should include checking the vents around your home. The vents need to be kept clear of any and all objects. Do not block them with furniture or curtains and keep them all open. You need to keep at least a foot of clearance away from the vents to allow for proper air flow throughout each room of your home. Do not attempt to block off vents in an effort to warm other parts of your home better as this isn't going to work. Open up all of the vents throughout your house.
2. Change Air Filters Monthly
Change the air filter in your heating system every month. You're home more in the winter months and you may notice your air filter getting clogged more during these cold-weather months. Changing the air filter is easy to do and it needs to be replaced with a brand new one that is the proper size for your system frequently.
3. Don't Over-Adjust Your Thermostat
Don't attempt to lower your thermostat so it's very low when you aren't home. If you do this, your system is going to run overtime in an effort to reach the higher temperature when you come home. The temperature adjustment should never go more than 3 degrees at a time. Anything else is going to be a waste. You could also leave your home too cold and cause your pipes to freeze if you adjust it too low.
4. Keep The System Clean
Throughout the winter months, your system is going to accumulate with dust and dirt. If your filter was filthy, your furnace system is most likely also going to be filthy as well. Turn off your system, unplug it completely, and turn off the gas to the furnace, then vacuum out any dust you find inside. Pay attention where you are vacuuming and try not to touch any parts near the motor or the belt. Clean the system a few times during the season, especially if you have a lot of pets or people in the home that have allergies or asthma.
Your furnace and entire heating system should be cared for properly in order to ensure it works throughout the winter season to keep you and your family nice and warm. If you have any issues with your system, call a professional HVAC company for heating system maintenance.