We have come to the end of another long hot summer here in California, and now our thoughts must turn to winter. Fall is a traditional period when we notice a drop in temperatures and we begin to make less use of our cooling systems. Now is the perfect time to think about our heating options for winter and consider if they are adequate. It is likely that your heating system has not been used for quite some time, and it is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness. Here are a few ways to get your heater ready for the colder months to come.
Fall is a Great Time to Have Work Carried Out:
The best part about fall is that it is a very temperate time of year and perfect for having work carried out. It is likely that your heater hasn’t been used for a least six months, so it needs to be checked thoroughly. The best advice says that a qualified technician should carry out annual maintenance on your heater before winter. This is sound advice, but it’s important that this is not left until the last minute. Remember, everyone else is in the same situation as you, and many of them will want their heaters checked. It is certainly more prudent to arrange this check up early to avoid a rush later. If you leave it too long, your local HVAC professional may be booked solid, and you could be facing some cold weeks without heating.
Carrying Out Some Work Yourself:
There are a few tasks that even an inexperienced layman can carry out safely on their heating system. One good way to get your heater ready for winter is to change your air filter. You may have found that using your HVAC system on a regular basis means an air filter change every 30 or 60 days. Regularly changing your air filter is essential as a dirty filter is a major cause of breakdowns.
You could also try to clean your heater. It is likely that the area around your heater gets quite dirty and dusty over time. It is a good idea to give this area a thorough clean, removing any dust and debris. Also, ensure that no household equipment that is not in use is on top of or around the heater. Many people use their heating equipment as a kind of dumping ground for tools, boxes, and other stuff. Keeping your equipment free from any obstructions will ensure that they cannot cause a problem later.
These two simple jobs can be very helpful, but they are no substitute for the attention of a qualified professional. When a heating system receives proper maintenance, there are checks carried out that will ensure everything’s running smoothly. It may be tempting to save the money by skipping a maintenance check, but it will probably cost more money eventually. Bear in mind that a heater that breaks down will cost far more to repair than it would to carry out regular maintenance.