The joy of a cozy home during winter largely depends on a well-functioning heating system. Keeping your heating system in tip top shape not only ensures your comfort but can also help save on cost. While professional heating service, like the ones provided by Jackson & Foster, is indispensable, there are a few DIY tips you can perform between service appointments.
Regular Inspection
The first step in maintaining your heating system is regular inspection. Routinely checking your furnace can give you a heads up on potential issues before they escalate. Look for signs of rust, soot, or corrosion. Observe if there’s a strange odor or noise when the equipment is on. This way, you can identify if you need a heating repair done professionally.
Clean and Replace Air Filters
Air filters work to filter out dust and debris from the air that gets circulated in your home. Over time, these filters can get clogged affecting the performance and efficiency of your heating system. Cleaning your air filters is a relatively easy task that homeowners can do themselves. A rule of thumb is to check your filters every month, especially during the heating season, and replace as needed.
Clean Around the Furnace
Regularly tidy up the area around your furnace. This includes removing any flammable material that could be a fire hazard. Cleaning around the furnace and vents is also essential in preventing dust buildup that could seep into the system. With this, you can avoid unneeded furnace service.
Check the Thermostat
Sometimes, minor heating problems can be brought about by faulty thermostat settings. This can often be overlooked but is a simple solution. Check if the thermostat is set to ‘heat.’ If you’ve been considering a system upgrade, you might want to look into installing a programmable thermostat– a task which is best left to a professional heater installation service.
Furnace Replacement and Repair
Over time, your furnace may call for more than just cleaning and minor repairs. In fact, a unit that is more than 15 years old may be due for a replacement. Knowing when it’s time to let go of your old unit and make that critical decision for a furnace replacement is key. Thankfully, you can trust the experts for this step and numerous services are available in San Diego, CA, Santee, CA, Lemon Grove, CA, La Mesa, CA, El Cajon, CA & Lakeside, CA.
Between professional appointments, homeowners can perform minor tasks to keep their heating systems running smoothly. Nonetheless, regular heating service is vital in the lifespan and efficiency of your unit. For larger tasks such as furnace repair or replacement, it’s always best to turn to the experts in your area.