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Winterize the Heating System
Dated: August 31 2022
Views: 19
The heating system is perhaps the most critical element for a home in the winter. The following tasks will help you prepare it.
Test run:
No later than October, give your heating system a test run. Turn the thermostat to heat mode, and set it to 80°F. You should hear the furnace turn on, and warm air should begin to blow within a few minutes. If the furnace is running fine, turn the thermostat back to its normal setting. If the furnace is not running properly, you can try to diagnose it yourself. Depending on what's wrong, you might be able to fix it yourself, or you might need to call a qualified service technician.
Replace the air filter:
Put in a new, clean air filter. It's easy, and doing so will ensure a free flow of air and a cleaner environment. Each furnace has its own requirements for air filters, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check the fuel supply:
If you have a propane or fuel oil furnace, make sure your fuel storage tank is topped off and ready to go.
Inspect and clean heating vents:
Clear obstacles to heating vents, so air can freely flow. Many experts recommend having a service technician come in and clean the vents every year or two.
Check for carbon monoxide leaks:
This silent killer can easily be detected with either an inexpensive test badge or a battery-operated alarm. If you discover problems, call in a professional to identify and correct the cause of the leak. Usually, this involves leakage in the exhaust system of a furnace or other fuel-burning appliance, such as a water heater. Don't put this work off; a carbon monoxide leak is a very dangerous situation.
Check exhaust vents:
Some furnaces and boilers, as well as gas water heaters, vent through a chimney, while newer high-efficiency models might vent through plastic pipes running through a side wall. Make sure these vents are open and free of obstructions, which can block the vent pipes and interfere with the furnace's ability to burn efficiently and properly vent exhaust gases.
Clean the condensing unit of debris:
Using a hose with the spray head set to the highest pressure, clean the fan blades and condensing coils of debris and dirt. Let the unit dry completely before covering it for the season.
Rebecca Wooten
I'm Rebecca Wooten, and my life revolves around being a wife, mother, cherished friend, and dedicated Realtor. For nearly two decades, the Northwest Hill Country/Lake Travis area has been my home and ....
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