It is officially October and the fall weather has arrived, and before we know it, it’ll be December and the winter will be upon us. If you’ve grown up in the New England area, you know how cold it can get between the months of November and April. But just because it’s cold outside doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be cold INSIDE. Having a well-maintained heating system for your house can make a world of a difference for when the outside temperature begins to drop. There’s no better time than now to be proactive and make sure that your heater is ready to go so that you don’t have to wake up to a frosty home. Here are some tips to follow when getting your heating system ready for the winter.
Replace your air filters
Filters are important. If they’re doing their job, the air quality of your home should be up to par and safe and you shouldn’t be dealing with the sight of dust or other odd particles turning up in mid air as you walk around your home. Like anything that comes with constant use, wear and tear is always a factor to take into consideration, especially with air filters in your heating system. Be sure to replace them on a regular basis. We recommend every 3 months.
Remove nearby flammable objects
You would be surprised how many household objects could catch fire if placed right in front of a heater. That cardboard box full of clothes that you’ve been putting off moving? Move that ASAP. You need to make sure that there is a reasonable amount of space between objects that could be a fire hazard and your heater. By doing this, you’re not only preventing potential disasters, but you’re allowing the heat from your system to spread properly and warm your house.
Make sure your thermostat is working properly
This can be overlooked at times, but having a working thermostat will do wonders for your heating system. Simply turn up the heat on your thermostat to make sure that it works. Signs include hearing a click and then feeling the temperature in your home rise up. This is helpful not only for the well being of your heater, but also your heating budget!
Hire a professional for proper maintenance and cleaning
There are plenty of things you can do on your own to make sure your heating system is prepared to handle the wintry weather, but then there will always be tasks that should be left to a professional. Whether it be cleaning the heater, inspecting the pumps, or checking the calibration between your heater and the thermostat, professional services can save you time and from the stress of overlooking everything.
For assistance with setting up your heating system this winter, give us a call at (781) 862-3400.