Snow has made its appearance in Central Wisconsin — is your household heating system ready to handle months of freezing weather? If you haven’t taken the time to assess your furnace, boiler, or heat pump to ensure it’s prepared to perform optimally throughout winter, now is the time to take care of that.
To help you out, the experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating share simple yet effective heating system preparation tips below.
1. Schedule a Heating System Inspection
If you’re not already having heating system inspections annually, now is the time to start scheduling them. Having annual HVAC inspections will help you ensure your system is performing optimally, as well as help you identify any minor performance issues before they grow more severe.
If your system requires any form of furnace repair, the technician performing the inspection will give you advice on your best course of action. And if you’re due for a furnace replacement, an inspection will alert you to the need for it early, so you don’t have to suffer through a system breakdown.
2. Clear Plenty of Space Around Your Furnace, Boiler, or Heat Pump
Regardless of the type of heating system your home has, the primary heating apparatus requires plenty of space to function optimally. For the most efficient system performance, make sure the immediate area around your furnace, heat pump, or boiler apparatus is free from clutter.
Keeping this area clean and clear will also reduce your risk of a house fire.
3. Check and Light the Pilot
Most heating systems — electric heat pumps are usually an exception — have a pilot light. If your home contains a heating apparatus that features a pilot light, it cannot operate unless the flame is burning and remains lit throughout operation.
Generally, you’ll find a pilot switch either on the bottom or somewhere in the back of your heating device. If the flame is not on, turn the pilot switch to the off position to allow the pilot to reset. Only after you’ve flipped the switch off should you turn it back on and light the flame.
It’s important to note that newer electric furnaces (those with an AFUE rating of 80 or above) typically feature an electronic-ignition pilot light. You do not need to worry about manually lighting these devices as the pilot flame self-ignites when the system calls for heat production.
4. Test Thermostat Operation
It’s never a bad idea to test out your thermostat’s heat performance before the worst winter weather arrives.
To test your thermostat, perform the following steps:
● Increase the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees above the level at which you normally keep it.
● Listen for the sound of the furnace turning on.
● If your heating system and thermostat are performing properly, you should hear the furnace come to life within seconds of adjusting the heat.
● If the furnace lags after you increase the heat, contact a heating repair professional for an inspection.
Here’s how to tell if your thermostat needs to be replaced.
5. Change Your Furnace and Air Filter Regularly
For optimal furnace performance, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you change your furnace filter regularly throughout winter. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to change it monthly to encourage optimal system efficiency and performance.
In addition to changing your furnace filter, you should also change your HVAC filter every 30-90 days. The frequency at which you should replace your filter depends on the type of filter you use and the air quality inside your home.
If you’re unsure how often you should be replacing these filters, a furnace repair professional can advise you on what’s appropriate for your system.
6. Clean the Heat Exchanger
If you haven’t had your heat exchanger cleaned in a while, hire a heating and cooling professional to clean it. Scale builds up in the exchanger over time, and if you don’t have it cleaned out, it can cause your unit to overheat. If that happens, you’ll likely notice your heating bills increase considerably, or your unit may fail altogether.
Scale buildup can also contribute to corrosion within your heating system, which may necessitate expensive repairs. If the oxidative damage gets bad enough, you may even need to replace your furnace well before it reaches the end of its recommended functional lifespan.
7. Inspect Your Ductwork
Performing periodic inspections of the visible sections of your ductwork can help improve the efficiency of your heating system because inspections allow you to find and seal leaks. Like all components of your heating system, your ductwork deteriorates as it ages.
Over time, ducts can develop weak points, cracks, or holes, and junctions may even loosen. If your air ducts weren’t properly installed or sealed to begin with, you may have been paying higher-than-necessary heating bills for years.
Check out how to tell if you may need ductwork repair or replacement, so you know what to keep an eye out for.
8. Inspect Exhaust Flues
Your heating system has outdoor exhaust flues, which are likely located somewhere on your roof. These pipes vent exhaust gasses from your HVAC system outdoors, so it’s crucial that you make sure they’re totally intact before you start using your system all winter.
If the flues have cracks or are blocked by outdoor debris, dangerous exhaust gasses could accumulate inside your home and deteriorate your and your family’s health. Call a heating and cooling professional for help if you find that these components are damaged in any way.
Need Furnace Repair or Replacement Near Wisconsin Rapids?
For all your heating system needs, don’t hesitate to rely on our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. Since 1985, we’ve proudly served residents throughout Central Wisconsin with comprehensive furnace repair, as well as heat pump service and boiler service and repair. We also offer 24/7 emergency service for your convenience.
To request an estimate or schedule a service appointment, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or send us a message.