Winter is just around the corner, and ensuring your heater is in top shape is crucial for keeping your home cozy and energy bills under control. Fall heater maintenance can make a big difference in how well your HVAC system works and how long it lasts. Prepare your heating equipment now to help you stay warm all season long.
Why Heater Maintenance in the Fall Is Essential
As the cold season approaches, making sure your heating system is ready for winter can have many long-term benefits.
Cost Savings Through Energy Efficiency
Fall heater maintenance helps your heating system run smoothly. Without it, dirt and dust can wear down your system over time, causing it to work harder than necessary. These particles cause the heater to use more energy and can run your utility bill higher. However, energy-efficient appliances — especially ENERGY STAR-certified equipment — can reduce your bill by $140 annually.
Prolongs the Life of Your Heating Equipment
Just like a car needs regular oil changes, your heater requires care to function at its best. Maintaining the system can increase the overall lifespan of your equipment. The earlier you catch an issue, the less likely it’ll turn into a costly repair.
Avoid Unplanned Breakdowns
What if your heater quit working on the coldest day of the year? Routine maintenance can prevent this from happening because it allows you to detect potential problems. A little preparation now can save you from uncomfortable surprises later.
Getting Your Heater Ready for Cold Weather
Whenever it’s time to turn on the heat, you can ensure your HVAC system is working properly by following these steps.
1. Inspect Your Heater
A few things you can do to ensure your heating system runs smoothly is to start by checking the thermostat settings. Switch it onto heat mode to verify that it powers on your HVAC system and activates the heat.
Next, take a look at your air filter. These screens can become dirty over time and clogged with dust and debris. A filter covered in dirt means it’s time for a change to keep air flowing and your system running efficiently.
Another part to check for is the hoses inside your furnace. Look for signs of blockage or leakage, and ensure everything has a proper connection. Doing so prevents greater issues down the road.
2. Changing the Air Filters
One important step in fall heater maintenance is changing your air filter. At a minimum, you should change your screen every three months, but certain factors require replacing it more often.
For example, pets can cause dander, making your filter clog more quickly. If you have animals in the home, you may need to change it more frequently. Likewise, running a heating system for at least six months may require a monthly change. By keeping your HVAC filter clean, you can improve its performance and ensure better air quality.
3. Cleaning Vents and Ducts
The air filter may build up dust and dander, but so can your vents and air ducts. It’s essential to keep these parts clean and free of obstructions. You can do this by checking all the vents around your house. Make sure no furniture or curtains are blocking them, as this can distribute heat unevenly throughout the home. You can use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean vent covers and remove accumulated debris.
For a deeper clean, it may be worth hiring a professional duct cleaning service. Dust can collect in areas you may have difficulty reaching, and HVAC professionals can ensure your entire system is free of buildup.
4. Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is an effective way to boost your home’s energy efficiency. These devices allow you to set a specific heating schedule to prevent your system from working overtime. For example, you can turn the heat settings down during the day while at work and have it warm up the house before returning home.
With smarter heating management, you can save on energy bills while ensuring your system runs great. In fact, a programmable thermostat can cut annual heating costs by 10% by reducing the temperature by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for at least eight hours a day. Plus, many models are easy to install and provide the convenience of controlling using your smartphone.
5. When to Call a Professional
While many aspects of fall heater maintenance can be something you can handle on your own, sometimes calling a professional is the safest. Routine maintenance tasks can go a long way in your system’s upkeep. However, certain warning signs may indicate deeper issues that require expert attention, including:
- Rattling or banging sounds.
- Strange odors.
- Heater cycles on and off too frequently.
These can be signs of more significant problems that could lead to a breakdown or safety hazard.
Stay Warm This Winter With Fall Heater Maintenance
Preparing your heater with a few essential fall maintenance tasks can save you time, money and headaches once the cold weather sets in. By taking a few steps, you ensure your system runs safely while also enhancing your home’s comfort.
