October 4, 2024
Heating maintenance services in Festus, MO

It’s important to remember that winters in Festus, MO, can get pretty cold. So, it’s crucial to ensure your heating system is in good shape to keep your home warm and cozy. Even though it’s easy just to switch on the heating when it’s cold outside, it might not work as well as it should. Here are eight simple ways to get your heating system ready for winter.

1. Replace Your Air Filter

Start by checking your air filter and replacing it if needed. 1- and 2-inch filters commonly need replacing every 30 to 90 days. Larger filters may last several months to up to a year. Allowing these filters to get clogged and dirty restricts airflow through the system, reducing heating efficiency and increasing system wear. Plan to check the filter every month and change it when there’s substantial particulate accumulation on the intake side.

2. Update Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat’s settings should be switched between cool and heat, adjusting the temperature to keep your home warm. The Department of Energy (DoE) recommends setting your temperature between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter while you’re awake. You can have the temperature lowered while sleeping or away at work.

3. Clear Around the Compressor Unit

Whether you’re preparing your air conditioner for the winter or your heat pump for heating mode, it’s important to clear the area around your units. An exterior heat pump unit depends on drawing air through it to transfer heat. Most industry professionals and equipment manufacturers recommend keeping at least a couple of feet around the unit and 5 feet above it clear. Clear away weeds and grass, as well as tree branches, bushes, and landscaping fixtures.

4. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for keeping your family safe. Gas-burning furnaces produce exhaust, which includes carbon monoxide. If the heat exchanger or any other exhaust system part is cracked, it can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Check your detector’s manual for testing instructions and how long it’s good for. Most detectors are only helpful for between five and seven years. If it’s over five years old, plan to replace it to ensure it works correctly if your system ever experiences a leak.

5. Schedule Routine Heating Maintenance

HVAC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, ensuring your system can heat your air and move it around effectively. One of our team members will clean the system, including the heat exchanger and the circulating fan. We will tighten electrical connections and mounting hardware and conduct extensive testing to find parts working sub-optimally.

6. Repair All Known Problems

Whenever a part of your heating system is strained, wear and tear will occur throughout the system, making it further susceptible to failing when extreme weather hits. When you schedule fall heating maintenance, our team will test the system and look for minor problems that may not have noticeable symptoms yet. If they uncover any issues, fix them before the weather turns too cold.

7. Check Household Airflow

All household heating and cooling depend on ample airflow. Make sure all supply vents are open and clear. If you have a room without a return vent, keep the door open to allow air to circulate properly. Each supply vent needs sufficient clearance for conditioned air to flow. Most industry experts recommend keeping at least 6 inches clear above and around each supply vent. Return vents may require additional clearance, depending on their size.

8. Prep Your Ceiling Fans for Winter

Your ceiling fans help the house feel cool in the summer and play a key role over the winter. Start your winter preparation by turning the fan off and cleaning it. Once you’re done, flip the switch on the side of the fan housing to change the direction the fan rotates. Over the winter, it should rotate clockwise at low speed to help push the heat down that naturally rises to the ceiling. This allows more evenly distribute the heat vertically throughout your space.

For over 45 years, property owners around Festus have turned to Bone Heating & Cooling to keep their homes comfortable. Our team provides cooling and heating maintenance, repair and installation, water heater and fireplace services, and ductwork installation and repair. Call to schedule a heating maintenance or repair visit with one of our NATE-certified technicians today. We offer the best heating services in Missouri!

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