Prepare Your Heating System for Winter
Winter is approaching, and soon heating systems will be running round the clock to keep homes in Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington counties, NJ, warm and cozy. As the temperatures start to drop, you probably want to know how to prepare your heating system for the cold season. Here are some tips.
Replace Your Air Filter
An air filter protects your HVAC system from dust, dirt, and debris that can reduce its efficiency and cause damage to delicate internal elements. In many HVAC systems, the furnace and AC blow air via the same filter. Yours is probably dirty after blowing air all summer. We recommend replacing the air filter monthly to maintain indoor air quality and reduce strain on your heating system. Kick off the heating season with a clean air filter and inspect it regularly so you can tell if you need a replacement earlier than expected.
Test the Thermostat
Don’t wait until winter starts to turn your heat on and realize it’s not functioning as it should. Run a test now before it gets cold. Start the thermostat and ensure the heat kicks on and heats your home to the desired temperature. If the heated air doesn’t warm up or if the heat goes off before reaching the temperature set on the thermostat, call your local HVAC contractor. Price’s Plumbing & Heating, LLC provides exceptional heating repairs.
Uncover and Clean the Vents
For your heat pump or furnace to efficiently and effectively keep your home warm, you must ensure all vents throughout your home remain open and unobstructed. Closing vents to limit heating and save energy is a myth that results in system damage. Your heating system and ductwork are designed to deliver a certain amount of conditioned air to every area of your home. When you close or block a vent, warm air gets trapped inside the system. This leads to overheating, poor energy efficiency, and damage to ducts. Before the heating season starts, ensure you enlist vent cleaning services to have all your vents cleaned and opened.
Bleed the Radiator Valves
If you use a boiler unit with radiators, you have to bleed the valves before the heating season starts. This helps remove trapped air, making the heating unit more efficient. A banging noise from the pipes or gurgling sound from radiators when the heating unit runs indicates that there’s air trapped in the lines. Another indicator of air in the pipes is if the radiator fails to heat appropriately when you turn on the boiler.
Service Chimneys
If you plan to use a fireplace this winter, get the chimney inspected before the heating season begins. Make sure no bird nests or other materials are obstructing the chimney. Do the same if your heating unit uses a PVC pipe as a vent. An obstructed ventilation system can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Inspect the Carbon Monoxide Detector
Technically, the carbon monoxide detector is not a part of your heating unit. However, it’s crucial to ensure your safety while the heating system is running. Press the “test” button to make sure it’s working correctly. Replace the batteries so you can be certain they’ll last throughout the winter. If the alarm turns off, look for somewhere else to stay until your heating unit is inspected and repaired. Inhaling carbon monoxide can be fatal, so this is an essential protective measure to take to keep you and your loved ones safe this winter.
Schedule a Heating Tune-Up
Maintenance is an essential step to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe heating during winter. Call your trusted HVAC contractor to request maintenance service, ideally during the fall. Have your heating unit inspected and serviced annually. Numerous heating problems go undetected until your unit stops working entirely. Having your heating unit inspected by HVAC specialists from Price’s Plumbing & Heating, LLC, however, helps you catch those issues and address them early.
Our heating maintenance service helps you:
- Catch issues before they cause damage to your unit
- Save money on energy and maintenance costs
- Prevent expensive repairs by keeping parts lubricated and clean
- Keep the system running at peak efficiency
Get the Heating Assistance You Need
Price’s Plumbing & Heating, LLC helps Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington homeowners prepare their heating systems for winter with prompt and reliable heating repair and maintenance services. Whether you need furnace repair or installation, our team is ready to help. Reach out to us online or call (856) 325-9719 to book a service appointment.