No Matter Your HVAC System, Remember To Do The Following:
1. Switch Thermostat Over to Heat
It might sound laughable, but when things get hectic, we all forget the little things. Before you call your trusted Missoula heating contractor worried because your heat is not kicking on at the beginning of heater season, make sure you remember to switch your thermostat to “heat.” If you leave your thermostat set to “cool,” your heat will never kick on. On top of that, there will likely be warm days when the air conditioning will start blowing through your home. Be sure you remember this small detail as Winter keeps heading our way!
2. Ensure Thermostat is Working Properly
A properly functioning thermostat can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can check if your thermostat is working by turning the temperature gauge to an extreme degree and listening for the heater to respond. Additionally, we say it often, but check your thermostat’s batteries. Dying batteries in your thermostat can create a laundry list of symptoms that look like much bigger problems. Lastly, if you have an older thermostat with only manual control, consider having a Missoula heating Contractor install an updated, programmable thermostat. Being able to set your thermostat to lower the temperature while you are at work all day and to warm up a half-hour before you get home can make a noticeable difference in your power bill.
3. Inspect Your Home’s Chimney or Exhaust System
Many home heating systems use chimneys. Many newer home heating systems do not require a chimney but still have some exhaust. Because clogged exhaust systems can be a fire hazard, be sure to know where the exhaust of your heating system is and make sure air can flow easily through it.
4. Schedule Yearly Cleaning and Servicing with Missoula Heating Contractors
One major key to preventing major issues with your HVAC system is to make sure you are doing preventative maintenance. Most heating systems should be serviced every 1 to 2 years. By hiring a certified contractor to visit your Missoula home and check out the components of your HVAC system, small problems can be identified and corrected before they become larger problems. Think of it like this: your HVAC system does not have an immune system. It can’t protect itself or fix itself.
Missoula Heating Contractors Have Steps for Furnace Pre-Winter Maintenance
1. Change Out Air Filters In Your HVAC System
The purpose of the filters within your home’s furnace is to clean the air going into the furnace, not the air going into your home. If the filters in your furnace become full of particulates, the furnace will not receive enough air into its system and large problems can ensue. Make sure you have the right size and type of filter by checking in with your trusted Missoula heating contractors before purchasing the right filter for your home’s HVAC system.
2. Check Burners for Dust and Debris
Because dust and debris can collect on the burners of your furnace during the summer months, this is something that you should check before firing up your heater for the winter months. While you are clearing any dust and debris, you can also ensure that the burners are still aligned with no signs of rust. This is something you can do yourself or make sure a Missoula heating contractor checks when they do a yearly service of your heating system.
3. Uncover the Vents in your Missoula Home
Many people will close vents or use covers for the heater vents while they are not being used to prevent drafts and unwanted particles from entering your home. Take a walk around your home and verify all the vents for the living spaces you want to heat are open and clear of any items that may have covered them. Also, be sure to check all air intake vents are clear to ensure your furnace has good airflow coming and going.
Contact Missoula Heating Contractors with Any Concerns
As you do a walk-through of your home’s heating system this fall, be sure to keep track of anything that seems problematic. It’s a good idea to have a record of what you noticed and when, whether these items are simply things to monitor or to make a call ASAP to Garden City Plumbing and Heating. Whether you have a furnace or another type of heat, Garden City has certified technicians you can trust to make sure your home stays warm and comfortable this winter. Give us a call at (406) 728-5550 or contact us online with any questions or to schedule an inspection.