The colder winter weather can wreak havoc on your home and your health if you’re not careful. Having a home heating system that works is a must to stay warm. However, to ensure that your heating system is ready for the cold weather, it’s time to winterize it.
Get Your Annual Service Performed
Your heating system should be professionally serviced before the winter season starts. While you may be tempted to perform the maintenance on your own, you should think again. If your furnace is still in its warranty period, it’s likely your warranty contract states that a factory-certified technician needs to perform annual service on it. Without proof of annual professional service, the manufacturer may void your warranty coverage.
Clean Up Around Your Furnace
If you’re like most homeowners, some flammable objects may have ended up within close proximity to your furnace. Think of items like storage boxes, weed whackers, or even paint cans. It’s best to evaluate the area surrounding your furnace and remove objects to reduce the risk of a fire developing and spreading.
Change Your Air Filter
Most heating systems will have an air filter that requires regular changing. Before the winter months, it’s best to change out your air filter for a new one. It’s a good idea to stock up on a couple of air filters so that you can change them out every couple of months during the winter season. You should evaluate the state of your air filter every month. As soon as you can’t see through it, it’s time to change it out for the best results.
Program Your Thermostat
A crucial step in winterizing your house’s heating system is programming your thermostat. You want to ensure that you have it set at a comfortable temperature for the times that your family is at home. Be sure to turn down the thermostat setting about 10 degrees for the hours that your family will be away from your residence. You may even want to consider turning it down in the overnight hours, so it’s colder while you sleep.
Change Batteries in Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Another important step in the winterization process is putting fresh batteries in your detectors. You should have at least one smoke detector and one carbon monoxide detector for every level of your house. Additionally, you should have both detectors right outside of the main bedrooms of your home.
Cover Your Outdoor AC Unit
During the winter, you won’t be using your outdoor compressor unit. To help keep the unit clean during the winter months, it’s best to cover the top of it. Many homeowners get confused and think they need to cover the entire AC unit. However, that’s actually not the case. You still want the sides of your unit to be open so that air can flow through it freely. Otherwise, moisture can build up inside of your unit and cause it to corrode prematurely.
Clean Your Air Vents
As you’re switching over from using your central air conditioning to your central heating system, it’s the perfect time to clean out those air vents. Dust and other unwanted debris can get trapped inside of your ducting and air vents. It’s best to pop out your air vents and give them a good thorough washing. Be sure to allow them to completely dry before reinstalling them so that they don’t foster mold growth.
Give it a Test Run
After you finish prepping your heating system for the winter, the last step in your winterization process is giving it a test run. It’s recommended to test run your heating system at least three times before officially deeming it ready to take on the colder winter months. You don’t want to wait until you absolutely need it to run before you try out your heating system for the first time and realize that there’s a problem with it.
Inspect Your Ducting
You’ll want to check the exposed ducting that runs throughout your house for any damage. This could be dented segments or sections that are pulling apart and creating an air gap. Any issues should be properly addressed. Be sure to use foil tape that’s intended to withstand the constant expansion and contraction of the ducting material.
Outstanding Heating Service
North Point Air Conditioning & Heating provides outstanding heating service for the Spring, TX, region. We also offer quality cooling, insulation, and indoor air quality services. Call us today to get the assistance that you need.
