Following a maintenance schedule throughout the year can significantly benefit you in the winter. The heating unit will be able to work efficiently and effectively. This can help to save you time, money, and stress if something should happen down the road. Making sure your heating system is in the most optimal condition possible is important to the comfort for you and your family.

Energy efficiency is important

Since the heating system will probably be running constantly throughout the winter, maintenance is the key to help it run the best it can. Make sure to inspect the filters on a regular basis. The filters should also be changed when they become full of dust and debris and are not longer effective. If you are unsure of how often to change the filter, we can help advise you on a schedule that is best suited for your home. Also inspect the insulation in the attic or crawlspace. Warm air rises and will exit the home through the roof. This is why it is important to have proper and effective insulation in the ceilings. To maintain the efficiency of your home, seal areas around recessed lights and plumbing vents. These areas may allow warm air from the living space below to enter the attic. Proper attic ventilation, insulation, as well as a tight air barrier between the attic and the interior of the home can work with one another to prevent ice dams. Equally important is to make sure there is no air escaping from cracks, gaps, or windows in your home.

Protect the pipes from the cold temperatures

Pipes that are located in the attic, crawl spaces, basement, or near outer walls can be vulnerable to freezing in the winter, as temperatures get colder. If the forecast is predicting unusually cold temperatures, let the water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try to keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places, such as below any sinks. If you open the cabinet doors, make sure to remove anything from inside the cabinets that might be a safety hazard to children or pets. If there are exposed pipes in the attic, basement, or crawlspaces, you can help keep them from freezing by adding extra insulation around them. If you are unsure if the pipes are able to withstand the temperatures, we can inspect them for you. We can also help to make sure your home is well heated as well as being energy efficient through the cold months.

Inspect the furnace and components

When inspecting the furnace on a regular basis, also make sure to check the components of it as well. This includes the ductwork and even the thermostat. The ductwork and vents should be free of any cracks or holes that air could leak out of. Any place where air can leak out can result in an increase of monthly energy bills. This is because the unit is working harder to heat your home, to make up for the loss that is occurring.