Tips to Prepare the Heater for Fall
People everywhere are enjoying a break from the heat as one of the hottest summers on record comes to a close. With the brief reprieve, homeowners are not only enjoying not sweating but also a break from cooling bills. However, before anyone knows it, cool temperatures will soon require everyone to turn on the heater.
It seems that every season brings new difficulties or challenges for homeowners. During the winter, one of the challenges is walking the line between comfort and the budget as the heater burns through the bank account. Luckily, homeowners can do a few things to ensure their heater stays on during the winter and runs as efficiently as possible. Here is a quick guide to preparing the heater for its busy season.
Professional Maintenance
The first thing every homeowner should do as soon as the air conditioner stops running constantly is schedule seasonal maintenance. Experts encourage owners to schedule maintenance twice per year. The fall visit is to provide a tune-up to the heater that will help it keep up in the coming months.
During a visit from a heating maintenance specialist, an expert will:
- Clean the blower and burner
- Inspect visible ductwork
- Verify safety devices for proper operation
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check the motor and electrical components
Heater maintenance is vital for anyone who wants to reduce their bills and stay comfortable during the winter. Allowing a professional to perform these tasks helps the unit run more efficiently and reduces the chance of mechanical problems when people in the home need the heater the most.
Replace the Air Filters
One of the steps vital to the heater's reliable operation during the winter is replacing the air filters. Air filters should be replaced at least every three months, so the homeowner is encouraged to mark it on their calendars at the beginning of each season.
Replacing the air filters does a couple of things for the home. First, a clean air filter allows for the free movement of air. This helps the unit heat the home more effectively and saves money in the long run. Secondly, clean air filters remove harmful particles during flu season. If chronic illnesses are the norm in a home during the fall and winter, fresh filters can help support lung immunity.
Double Check Utility Bills
Owners have a lot on their plate, but one of the things they should never fail to do is to track utility bills. The heater in the home will use the lion's share of gas and electricity, but usage spikes can indicate problems. The utility bill can also motivate the home to be more energy efficient.
If high bills are common in a home, there are usually things that can be done to reduce them. During the winter, weatherstripping has been shown to conserve energy. Smart thermostats can be installed to reduce the runtime of heaters and air conditioners. Finally, old inefficient heaters can be upgraded to high-efficiency models that save on bills every month.
About Dutch Enterprises
Dutch Enterprises handles heater tune-ups and repairs during the busy winter season. They guarantee their work and offer most of their services with flat-rate pricing. Call today for a heating service in Cape Girardeau, MO.
