Things You Should Check Before Turning On The Heat
The winter weather is definitely upon us now with temperatures at night of 20 degrees and blowing winds so it’s time to turn on the heat. If you haven’t had your HVAC system checked for heating yet, now is the time. It’s always a good idea to be sure everything in your home’s heating system is in working order before you actually need it. Here are 7 things you can do now to make sure you’re ready to flip the switch on when the time comes.
Did you know that heating and cooling accounts for 56% of a typical home’s energy use, according to government statistics. So, to be sure that you’re running efficiently and help you save money in the long run, be sure to have your unit checked.
Test Windows and Doors For Drafts
The US Department of Energy reports that reducing drafts in your home can reduce energy consumption by anywhere from 5-30%, in addition to making your home much more comfortable.
Check the following locations in your home for air leaks or drafts:
- Along the baseboards
- Around doors
- Window frames
- Electrical outlets
- Attic hatches
- Fireplace Dampers
Seal any leaks with caulking or weatherstrips.
Perform A Basic Building Pressure Test
Even if you can’t find any drafts in your home, you might still have some air leaks. A pressure test can help make sure your heating and cooling system is working as efficiently as possible.
To perform the test:
- Start by closing all exterior doors, windows and fireplace flues.
- Turn off all heat-generating appliances, such as hot water and furnace.
- Turn on all your home’s exhaust fans, including those in the kitchen and bathrooms. You can also use a box fan to suck air out of the rooms.
- Outside your home, inspect all the places where walls or two different building materials meet using either a damp hand or incense. If your damp hand feels cool at any of the meeting places, there’s likely a leak. If you use incense for the test, you’ll see the smoke waver or blow where there are leaks.
Leaks and drafts found with a pressure test can be blocked with caulking or another appropriate sealer.
Clean or replace air filters
Making sure your heating system’s air filters are clean and in good shape is one of the easiest things you can do to make sure everything is running efficiently. This is a practice that should be done monthly.
- If the filter is washable, clean it with soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly before replacing.
- If the filter is disposable, toss it in the trash and replace it with a new filter.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide, called the “silent killer”, is an odorless, toxic gas that can come from a leak in a fuel-burning heating appliance and cause illness or even death. If you have a gas furnace, a carbon monoxide detector is a must have for you home.
- If you don’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, consider purchasing one before you turn on the heat this season.
- If you already have one, make sure it’s in working order.
- If your detector runs on batteries, replace them now.
- It’s also a good idea to check your smoke detector at the same time also.
Test The Thermostat
The thermostat is really just a switch that tells the furnace blowers when to come on or off.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to ON and double check the setting.
- If the system is battery operated – and most modern, digital thermostats are – consider replacing the battery now.
Consider Getting Your HVAC Checked By A Pro
Having a qualified professional do an HVAC system check is on many homeowner’s fall to do lists.
We at Four Star Plumbing & Air Conditioning offer a $70 HVAC inspection. Having a professional take a look now could save you serious cash on repairs later this season. A professional can make repairs or recommendations based on your individual needs that might not even be on your radar.
Call us today 843-236-7142
*************************************************
Excerpts used: Repair.com / Laura Isaacs 2012