Imagine if your heater broke down in the middle of a family gathering this holiday season. It would not be ideal, to say the least. It’s a good excuse to break out the fun ugly sweaters and some hot cocoa, but after a while, you’d need someone to come repair your furnace or heat pump.
Make your holidays as stress-free as possible. Get your shopping done early, and reduce your chances of a complete heating system breakdown by following our tips!
Change the Filter!
It’s such a simple step that so many people neglect from month to month. A clogged filter can actually keep the heat from moving into your home by blocking airflow. This causes your heater to become overworked, and it may break down or even become a safety hazard. Make sure the arrows line up where they are supposed to when you’re replacing the filter. If you need help, call a friendly local heating technician.
Have a Plan for Your Vacation
If you are taking a trip for the holidays this year, make sure your heating system’s needs are taken care of. You may not be able to shut off the heater completely if you have pets at home or if you live in a cold climate. (You wouldn’t want pipes to freeze, after all!) But you can program the thermostat in advance to make sure it remains at an efficient temperature.
You may want to ask a friend or neighbor to check on the house from time to time. You can also check on the settings of your heater remotely if you upgrade your thermostat to a smart thermostat this holiday season.
Lower the Temperature
Want to decrease the chances that your heating system will fail this winter? Turn the temperature down a few degrees. When you arrive home from the cold, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat as high as it can go. But this is unnecessary. The Department of Energy recommends 68° as an efficient winter temperature, and most people can be comfortable with this. The heater won’t have to work so hard, decreasing your chances of a heating system breakdown.
Schedule Heating Maintenance
Schedule heating maintenance this year and every year! This service includes an inspection and tune-up of your heating system that can improve efficiency, extend the systems lifespan, and prevent repair needs. Call local heating technicians with the licensing and experience to do the job the right way.