Winter is right around the corner, so it might be tempting to simply turn on your heater once it starts getting chillier outside. Before you do that, however, it’s important to check whether your heater is in good condition. Keep reading to learn more about Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning’s best heater tips to keep your furnace running like new this winter season!
1. Keep it clean
Perhaps the easiest way to keep your heater running as efficiently as possible is by keeping your furnace and its surrounding area clean.
Cleaning the nooks and crannies of the inside of your heater unit can raise some safety concerns, however, so if you’re not confident, then contact Trahan’s Heating and AC to show you how.
The outside of your unit, on the other hand, is much simpler! Remove any objects that are near or on top of your unit such as boxes, papers, furniture and storage containers. These objects pose a fire risk, so to prevent any ventilation issues, as well as keep you and your family safe, make sure to keep these objects at a distance.
2. Change air filters
Another easy and inexpensive way to keep your heater running all winter is to simply change its air filters! According to Energy Star, a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, you should clean your air filters once a month. This includes not only those from your central AC unit but your heater as well.
Dirty air filters prevent a heater’s blower from pushing air through your home’s ventilation system. If you let too much time pass without changing the filter, it might build up with dust, dirt and other debris over time. Clogged air filters not only pollute your indoor air and can cause allergies and illness, but they also make your unit work harder than it needs to. This can lead to your heater damage and repairs over time.
If you’re not sure how to locate your heater’s filters or how to replace them, make sure to contact an HVAC technician. They can help you locate the air filter compartment and tell you exactly which type of filter is best for your home.
3. Check thermostat
Before you turn on your heater this winter, take the time to check your thermostat’s performance through its settings. If your thermostat setting doesn’t match the temperature of the house, then there’s a chance it isn’t functioning properly. This can be caused by a variety of issues such as an inaccurate calibration or even a clogged filter. An HVAC technician can help by recalibrating it as well as checking for any other underlying issues.
4. Weatherizing home
To ensure your heater doesn’t overwork, make sure your home is sufficiently weatherized. In other words, check to see if your home is experiencing a high amount of air leaks. A few trouble areas where air leaks can occur includes:
- Windows & doors
- Recessed lighting units
- Attic
- Electrical wiring
- Ventilation ducts
- Chimneys
A qualified HVAC technician, like those at Trahan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, will help you assess your home’s airtightness as well as apply air sealing techniques. If you’re able to locate any leaks on your own, we suggest using caulk, weatherstrips or expansion spray foams to seal them.
5. Call the professionals
The best way to avoid dealing with sudden heater issues is by scheduling regular heater maintenance at least once a year. Our professionals at Trahan’s Heating and AC will help you identify any problems your heater might have that could possibly leave you without heat in the middle of winter!
Whether it’s cleaning your heater, changing its filters, checking your thermostat, or weatherizing your home — Trahan’s Heating and AC can help! Contact us today to help extend the overall life of your heater and keep it in the best shape for these coming chilly months!
