During the colder months, servicing your heating system must be at the top of your list of things to do. Regular heating system maintenance not only provides efficiency during the cold months but also ensures optimum comfort, energy, and durability of the heating system. When maintenance is least considered, problems such as major breakdowns and expensive repairs occur. Below are some useful guidelines on how to take care of your heating system and ensure it performs optimally for the season.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
It is recommended to replace air filters frequently. Many people are unaware that the air filters have a significant impact on the efficiency of your heating system. Defective or dirty filters hinder the normal flow of air and this makes the system work more and thus uses more energy.
Always inspect the air filters at least once a month and clean or replace them every three months depending on the situation in your home. For instance, if you have pets or you are sensitive to dust, then replace them more often. Cleaning your filters prevents pollutants from spreading in your home and guarantees favorable conditions for your heating equipment.
Schedule Annual Professional Inspections
It is very important to check your heating system with a professional HVAC once in a year. This step involves the technician stripping and applying some grease on certain areas and checking whether any part has been damaged or not and whether it’s operating as required.
It is always wise to have your system checked often for any signs of complications so that they can be sorted early before they turn into severe failures which in turn shortens your system’s lifetime.
Check and Seal Leaks
You should also regularly inspect and prevent leakage by ensuring regular furnace maintenance. Leaks in heating systems or ducts result in warm air escape and high wastage of energy to heat your home. Check for leakage around the ducts and all joints if visible, it should be covered by a proper sealing material. Also consider the condition of doors and windows, if there are cracks then you must apply weatherstripping or use caulk to stop the heat from escaping.
Clean and Clear Vents and Ducts
Many times dust, dirt, and even mold may accumulate on the vents and ducts of your heating system. This hampers air flow and hinders effectiveness. Clean or apply a vacuum cleaner on the vents. Moreover, it is advisable to take the services of a professional duct cleaning after some time like every few years. Verify that no furniture, rugs, or any other obstacle covers the vents to enhance the proper circulation of air around your home.
Monitor and Adjust the Thermostat
It is also helpful to use a programmable thermostat to make sure that the temperature stays within an appropriate range and to regulate the heating schedule. This may call for adjustment of the thermostat to lower settings especially when they are not at home or in bed. Check that your thermostat is properly calibrated and if you want something that provides more flexibility in adjusting the temperature for your home, consider getting a smart thermostat.
