7 Ways to Prep Your Home for Heating this Fall
With shorter days and cooler temps upon us, you’re likely starting to think more and more about your home’s heater and the things you’ll need to do to get ready to flip the “cool” switch to “heat” on the thermostat. We’ve put together this VERY SIMPLE DIY checklist of things you can start thinking about today to get your home ready to keep you comfy and cozy when the cold weather sets in for good.
Things to Check Outside Your Home
1. To get ready for heating, check the outside caulk lines and seals on windows and doors. If you notice any cracks or gaps, now is a great time to fill those to keep drafts and cold air out when nastier weather sets in.
2. Make sure any outside vents are also clear to ensure adequate airflow in and ventilation out. Your system needs both, especially while heating, to operate properly.
Things to Check Inside Your Home
3. Make sure anything flammable is moved away from your heating system. While it’s a good tip year-round, you’ll want to make sure the area is clear before you actively start using your furnace again.
4. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it agin…inspect your air filter and replace it if needed! A clean air filter will work to reduce indoor contaminants throughout the winter season, as well as facilitate proper airflow into your home. We have a huge selection of air filters for nearly every system imaginable. Best of all, they ship for FREE and cost less than Amazon, WalMart, Lowes, or Home Depot.
Shop for a New Filter
5. Now is a good time to ensure your registers are clear of obstructions. Move heavy furniture and other items which may be blocking registers and keeping heat from reaching you when the furnace kicks on.
6. Got a humidifier? Start thinking about it now to get ready for the big switch from AC to heat. You’ll want your humidifier working its best throughout winter to alleviate dry air problems and ensure your home maintains proper humidity levels.
7. The summer-to-fall transition is also a great time replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. Along with smoke detector batteries, this should be done annually to protect your family from undetected carbon monoxide exposure. The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends that you replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. If you are unsure of the last time they were replaced, check the manufacturing date on the back of the smoke detector. It’s a good time to also test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re all working properly.
Things to Leave to the Pros
There are some tasks best left to the professionals. Heating systems are complex and made up of sensitive equipment which requires maintenance to keep things running efficiently. Between now and winter, make it a priority to schedule professional fall HVAC maintenance. As a trusted HVAC contractor, we will provide essential cleaning, care, and inspection to ensure your heating system can handle the important job of keeping your home comfortable through the cold months. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And scheduling couldn't be easier! Give us a call at 801-444-9220 or use our convenient online scheduling system to set up your appointment.
