What to Do Before Turning on Your Heating System

The temperatures start to drop. You switch from t-shirts to long sleeves. The days get shorter. Eventually, a cool evening arrives that makes you want to reach for the thermostat and turn on the heat. But wait! Have you taken the right steps to turning on your heating system?

It’s important to take these steps to make sure your system runs smoothly throughout the winter. Checking your heater and the related systems is key.

Use the following checklist to properly prepare for that first cold night.

Schedule your service

The most important step to turning on your heating system is to have it checked out by a professional. A licensed HVAC technician will inspect the system, clean it and recommend any repairs that are needed before operation. This will prevent running the unit while damaged, which can cause more problems and more expensive repairs (or failure) down the line.

Clear the way

It’s easy to block heating equipment and vents with furniture, stored items or decorations. Before you turn on your heater for the season, make sure nothing is blocking the hot airflow. You may need to move furniture, open vents or rearrange items. This will allow you to get the full effect of the heater’s airflow and prevent damage to the unit caused by an overworked system that can’t breathe.

Seal it up

Have you looked closely at your windows lately? Checking your heater isn’t the only check you should perform. Inspect your windows, too. Cracks and gaps let warm air escape the home. Fix any issues with your windows and doors to prevent hot air loss. This can improve your heater’s performance, create a more comfortable interior and lower your utility bills.

Look it over

Your entire furnace and related systems and components should be inspected for cracks or leaks. If there are any loose joints or cracks in the system, this can allow poisonous gases to escape into your home. Because small cracks may be hard to detect, it is best to ask a professional to complete this inspection.

Test it out

Before it’s time to run your heater all night, try testing it out. Turn the thermostat to heat mode just long enough to see if it starts up smoothly. If it does not, you’ll know it’s time to call an HVAC technician now before you really need the heat.

Try the alarm

Your home should be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. These life-saving devices will let you know if an issue arises with your heating system that causes toxins to escape into the home’s interior. Before you run your heating system, make sure these detectors are working properly. Test them, and replace the batteries if needed.

Call us first

For expert assistance with checking your heater, contact the team at Ken’s Comfort Zone Air Conditioning. Family-owned and -operated, we’ve been delivering top HVAC service to homeowners since 1978. We’ll make sure your system is in top shape for winter. Reach us today to schedule your next seasonal maintenance or repair at 903-887-8711.

Categorised in: Heating Systems

This post was written by Writer