Another chilly winter is upon us, and as such it’s hard to imagine going through one of these colder days without a fully functional heating system. Nobody wants to deal with a broken down heater this time of the year, which is why maintenance is such an important step to take before the season begins.
Even with the most diligent care, however, your heater can still wear out and run into operational problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this happening. Keep reading to learn more.
Seal Air Leaks
Heat loss is a huge drain on your heating system. It should be able to reach your desired temperature quickly. But if you are losing air through cracks in windows, doors, or even your ductwork, then your heater will have to work harder than it would have had to otherwise.
Insulate
Do you have sufficient insulation installed in your attic and crawlspaces? Insulation should be placed around ducts and anywhere else that heat loss is possible.
Lower the Temperature
Your home does not need to be set at 75+ degrees when you aren’t home. Use your programmable thermostat to set it 10 to 15 degrees lower when you are away. This will ensure that your home stays warm enough to be comfortable for when you do get home to turn up the temperature, but you won’t be wasting unneeded energy on an unoccupied home.
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter that comes with your heating system is there to protect the inside components from dirt and debris that can affect its functionality. This air filter should be changed every 1 to 3 months to ensure its efficiency.
Close the Fireplace Damper
You may be surprised to find how much heat loss can occur out of your fireplace when it’s not in use. Close the damper during the winter when you are not using your fireplace. Of course, be sure to remember to open it back up when you do intend to use it again!
Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration provides superior heating services throughout Los Alamos, NM and beyond. Contact us today!
