Learn How To Perform Winter Heater Prep
When the temperatures drop, it will be time to begin winter preparation! You might prepare by taking out your blankets, cranking up the heater or even making hot beverages to keep you warm. However, an often forgotten-about step to getting ready for the seasonal change is ensuring your furnace is prepared for the cold.
At Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing, we’re here to give you all of the best tips and tricks to be ready for your next Texas winter.
How Do You Get Your Furnace Ready For Winter?
There are many ways to prepare your furnace so that it is ready for the cooler weather. Our team is here to provide you with a checklist on how to get your furnace prepared for the cooler temperatures.
Replace Your Air Filters
Filters on your heating unit should be replaced every 90 days in order to enhance indoor airflow and better air quality. The filter helps collect dust and grime from your air and can help decrease your system’s workload.
If you haven’t replaced it recently, your filter is likely clogged by the build-up, creating a barrier and preventing air from flowing efficiently. This issue can end up causing some problems with your HVAC system during the changing seasons.
Clean The Furnace And Vents
Make sure your indoor ventilation is adequate and that your vents are clean to promote adequate airflow. Turning on the system while the furnace or vents are dirty can be hazardous. Clearing build-up from your vents before using your heater will keep your system working effectively in the winter season.
Prevent Objects From Blocking Ventilation
Make sure there’s nothing that is blocking ventilation and the registers that allow air to flow efficiently. These objects can include boxes, furniture, storage boxes and other household items, as they may also pose a hazard if left near the area.
Consider A System Upgrade
How old is your heating unit? The average lifespan of a heater is around 15 years. If your system is older than that, it might be worth considering a replacement.
Newer heaters have a higher efficiency than older models. This means it can work harder with less power, which may lower your energy bills over time. If your system isn’t working up to your standard, contact our professionals to determine if a new unit is the best option for the cooler season.
Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up
One of the best methods of winter preparation is by scheduling a maintenance appointment with our professionals. There may be other issues with your unit that an HVAC technician can find. If a problem is present, you can trust our experts to provide helpful recommendations.
The best time for a heater tune-up is in the fall, before the winter weather forms. Our trained professionals have the knowledge and skills needed to detect unforeseen problems before they occur and provide solutions to existing issues!
Monitoring Your Heating System
Now that you have prepared your furnace, it is time to get your heating unit up and running. There are a few steps you can take to ensure it’s operating effectively.
Inspect The Thermostat
Before having the system run routinely, you will need to do additional heater prep. When you first turn the thermostat to heat mode, it may smell like something is burning. Since your heating system is inactive during warmer times of the year, it may accumulate dust over this timeframe.
Once it’s turned on, the warmth burns the dust off and creates a strange odor. This smell should go away within an hour. However, it’s best to go from the ‘cool’ setting to the ‘heat’ setting slowly. If the aroma lasts longer, contact a professional to ensure your system is working correctly.
Heat Up Your Home
To further ease into working your furnace, turn on your unit for about an hour or less and wait until it effectively heats up the area. If everything works well, your home should eventually become warm and toasty!
In the event that there’s no heat coming out of your vents, this may indicate a problem with your system, so it’s recommended to contact an HVAC professional to inspect your unit. A furnace tune-up might be just what you need.
Contact Us To Service Your Houston Heating System
If you’re in need of a furnace check-up in the Houston area or are having trouble with your heating system, call our pros for assistance! As we mentioned, a heater tune-up is one of the best ways to care for your unit and prepare for when winter arrives. Contact us at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing to make an appointment today!
