Preparing to Turn the Heater On In Your House: To-Do List

Most homeowners will be turning on the heat next winter for the first time after months of inactivity. And while you will naturally expect your heating system to resume working at maximum efficiency, it’s easy to forget the problems that can also arise due to lack of use. If you don’t take the time to check your system periodically, your heater can eventually break down and leave you with a costly repair bill in the middle of the cold season. 

Of course, it’s always wise to have a professional HVAC company perform regular maintenance checks on your heating and air conditioning system to help avoid these situations. However, you can do a few things at home to ensure your heater is working before the temperature in your home begins to drop a few degrees. 

Comfort Specialists provides dependable HVAC repair and installation services. Our licensed and contracted HVAC technicians in Morris County, NJ, will help maintain your home’s air quality and ensure maximum comfort. If you have problems with your heater or air conditioner, call us at 973-566-5871 to speak with one of our expert contractors.

Run Your Heater to Check for Issues

Many HVAC repair technicians advise that you perform a DIY systems check on your heating system. You’ll need to turn your heat on for 10 minutes to see whether it runs consistently without any unusual occurrences. Listen for issues such as squealing or squeaky sounds or unusual clanking or banging from the unit, as any of these issues can indicate that your heater needs immediate repair.

In addition to checking for strange noises, you should be checking for unusual smells. For instance, your system check may look slightly different if you’re running a furnace. In most cases, a burning smell is typical after firing a heater up for the first time. However, if it doesn’t disappear after two complete cycles, it could indicate a more significant issue with your heating system. 

You should also check to see whether your pilot light remains lit after you’ve turned on the gas. If it doesn’t, you should immediately shut off the gas, ventilate the room, and wait for a few hours before lighting it again. If the pilot still doesn’t stay lit, you should shut off the gas and call a professional HVAC technician right away to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Change Your Air Filters

Complete airflow is necessary to keep any air conditioning or heating system running efficiently. Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict that airflow and force the system to work harder in cooling or heating your home. Depending on how often you run your system, it may be necessary to change your air filters monthly to ensure that your system is working at optimal efficiency. 

Clean Around the Furnace

For furnace and central heating yields efficient airflow throughout your home, you must ensure the air vents are unobstructed. The space around the vents should be clear of boxes, totes, cleaning products, and anything else that could block the airflow. Be sure to sweep around the furnace or heating vents and mop up any dust that could get sucked into the unit. You should also dust off the ducts and wipe down the entire unit to ensure that dust doesn’t get stuck in the vents and restrict airflow. 

Rearrange Furniture to Maximize Heat and Airflow

Rearranging your home decor to leave enough space between the heating equipment and your furniture will also help produce maximum warmth. For example, all warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators should be clear of any couches, love seats, and appliances. Ample space around your heating system will help provide more airflow and increased warmth. Furnishing a floor with rugs and carpeting can also help retain the heat in your home.

Buy a Humidifier 

The air is usually drier during the winter than in the warmer months. Therefore, you should install a house or room humidifier to control your home’s humidity during the cold seasons. Once installed, it’s also good to periodically check the humidifier and change it annually to maintain the home’s air quality as you prepare for the next cold season. You can learn more about humidity levels from a professional HVAC technician.

Check for Cold Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

Even if your heating system is working at optimal efficiency, air leaks around your doors and windows can affect how much heat gets filtered through your home. Before the cold sets in, you should check for air leaks by placing your hand near the window or doors and slowly moving it around the perimeter. If you sense a temperature change or feel air drafts near the windows and doors while they’re closed, then there’s a good chance you have an air leak. 

To remedy this, you can seal the air leaks by re-caulking, installing new weather stripping, or putting up plastic insulation over windows. For the doors, rolling up a towel and placing it at the bottom of the door can also stop cold air from coming into your home. Sealing your doors and windows will also help you conserve energy and retain a comfortable amount of heat throughout your home. 

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Many modern thermostats have helpful features to set different temperatures for various times or certain days of the week to help conserve energy. Buying an upgraded thermostat can help control how heat is dispersed through your home and save money on your light bill from the moment you turn it on. For example, you can set a modern thermostat to adjust to a cooler temperature while you’re out running errands and automatically readjust before you return so that you can walk into a warm house. 

Comfort Specialists is available 24/7 to help you with all of your heating and air conditioning needs. Call us at 973-566-5871 to learn more about our HVAC repair and installation options for your home in Morris, NJ.