With November here, that means winter is not far around the corner. November is one of the busiest months of the year for HVAC technicians, who spend much of the month making house calls to perform heating tune-ups.
It’s important to make sure your furnace is prepared for the heating season to come so you can stay comfortable during the coldest days of the year without having to worry about a breakdown that could be anything from inconvenient to potentially dangerous. Here are just a few of the most important aspects of preparing a heating system for winter that you can expect to be performed by your HVAC contractor in Ruston, LA:
- Change the filter: One of the simplest yet most important ongoing maintenance steps you can take to keep your HVAC system in good condition is to change the filter. Keep in mind the air conditioner and furnace use the same filter, so it’s going to get some regular use all year long. It’s a good idea to change the filter every month or two, and doing so as you’re already inspecting the system simply makes sense. You can start the heating system with a clean filter, and get some extras so you have them on hand to change as needed.
- Check vents and registers: Make sure there’s nothing blocking your vents and registers so you don’t accidentally impede airflow. Blocked vents can cause the furnace to work harder than it needs to, which could cause it to overheat or result in certain components wearing out prematurely.
- Check the thermostat: It’s a good idea to test your thermostat early in the season so you can be certain it works before you actually need to use it. If you’re having a hard time getting warm air to come through the vents, it might be a problem with your thermostat and not the furnace itself. Your HVAC technician will need to carefully look at the thermostat and determine what action needs to be taken to restore its functionality.
- Check the CO detector: You should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home, with one of them located somewhere near the furnace. The CO detector may not be a part of your HVAC system, but it is a crucial safety element for the operation of that system. Press the “test” button to make sure it’s functioning properly, and put in a fresh set of batteries if needed. If the alarm goes off, you will need to evacuate the house until the heating system can be inspected and fixed up to prevent further emissions.
- Inspect the chimney: If your heating system vents out through a chimney, make sure it’s clear of any obstructions that could block it. The same is true for PVC pipe vents. Blocks in the ventilation system can lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
For more information about our heating installation and tune-up services in Ruston, LA, or to schedule your maintenance appointment, contact J & B Air Conditioning, Heating, & Gutters today.