• Posted by: Bluesky2019
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This holiday season, a properly functioning heater is essential for a warm household. Peak functionality also keeps your heating bills down, an important consideration when other costs climb around the holidays.  

Check the items on this checklist before the holidays to ensure you and your visitors feel comfortable and cozy while the wind blows outside.

4 Things You Need to Do to Prepare Your Heater

Change the Air Filter

This is the first and most important step in preparing your heater for winter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, lowering efficiency and overworking the device. On the other side, replacing the filter regularly promotes cleaner indoor air, reduces your energy expenses, and extends the life of your equipment.

Change the filter before the heating season begins. Then, during the winter, examine it once a month and replace it when it becomes dirty, no more than three months between replacements. For the best results, use replacement filters that are the correct size and efficiency.

If you use an electronic air cleaner during the winter, make sure to clean the air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check for Gas Leaks

If your heater is powered by natural gas, a leak could develop, posing a risk to you and your family. Before relying on your heating too heavily this season, check the furnace for worn or damaged connections. Keep an eye out for natural gas scents. 

If you notice a problem, either with your eyes or your nose, consult a professional before turning on the heater.

Check the Air Vents

Supply registers deliver heated air while return registers send cooled air back to the furnace for reheating. When these vents become clogged, heating efficiency declines, and you may notice hot and cold pockets throughout your home. This can be discomfort during a holiday gathering.

Consult a professional before turning on the heater, walk around your home, and make sure that all air vents are clear to promote more excellent airflow and a more even temperature. Move area rugs, adjust furniture and tie back curtains as needed to allow for enough airflow.

Test for Proper Operation

Set your thermostat to “Heat” and increase the temperature by a degree or two to trigger the furnace. Look for any unusual noises emanating from the heater or the ductwork. If you hear anything unusual, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC professional for a repair.

Place your hand over different registers throughout your home, including those near the furnace and those further away. Check that the air is sufficiently hot and is exiting the registers with sufficient force.

Schedule an Annual Tune-Up with Blue Sky Heating and Air

A thorough furnace inspection includes other tasks that only a qualified HVAC technician should perform. As a result, the last thing on your checklist should be to schedule preventative maintenance with Blue Sky. We have the skills and experience to inspect fuel connections, test gas pressure, clean the burners, inspect the heat exchanger, and test system controls, among other things.

With the pandemic still on, home is the safest place to be, and you can make staying home comfortable for you and your family by ensuring you get the best temperature you need every day. Your HVAC system is your partner towards a comfortable living so, make sure you get it serviced regularly for optimal performance. Tune-ups, repair, maintenance, or even thermostat issues, Blue Sky Heating and Air LLC, is just around the corner of Texas to help you! Call us now at (512) 222-6666 to know more about our services.