The warm summer months provide great memories, but soon enough, it’ll be time to break out the heater again. Problem is, your furnace has probably been dormant most or all of the spring and summer – and that could lead to trouble when you need it the most. That’s why you need a bit of preseason maintenance to ensure your heater runs at peak efficiency any time you need it.
Routine Maintenance is Key
Contrary to popular belief, the furnace does not “just work.” There are routine maintenance procedures you can perform on your furnace, ensuring that it not only works, but works well. First, you have to understand how your furnace works. A home heating system is comprise of three parts:
- Heat Sensor/Thermostat: Detects the current temperature in your home and determines when it needs to be raised or lowered.
- Heater/Blower: Dispenses the hot air.
- Ducts: Distributes the hot air throughout the house.
Though this is a simplified explanation of the system, the website Do It Yourself says keeping these parts clean and in working order is critical. Always make sure your duct system and filter is properly cleaned and clear of debris. Failure to address this very simple maintenance measure is one of the most common reasons that cause customers to call for heating repairs.
Be Proactive About Your Heating Repairs
While off season maintenance will help, that’s only half the battle. A few energy-saving tips will also help your heating unit. The reason? Your furnace won’t have to work quite as hard if your home is properly sealed and takes advantage of the natural heat in your home. Some tips from Energy.gov include:
- Cover windows by sealing up the frames and using drapes or shades.
- Stay on top of the temperature settings. If you’re not home, turn it back or use a programmable thermostat.
- Look for, and seal, those pesky leaks. Check doors, windows and pipes, among other areas.
- Be careful with your fireplace. While it’s a great source of heating, closing the damper when a fire is not burning allows warm air to rise up the chimney. Likewise, slightly opening the nearest window and closing the entrance door while lowering your thermostat settings to 50 to 55 degrees makes a big difference, Engergy.gov says.
While these are all preventative measures, you still need to take care of your heating repairs as early as possible. It’s only a matter of time before you need it.
