Winter will be here sooner than you think, and that means preparing your heating system for the next several months of cold weather. You probably don't have a lot to worry about if you have a relatively new and reliable heating system, but most heating systems in Pittsburgh, PA go for several months without being used, so some maintenance is to be expected. Before you turn on your furnace for the winter, here are a few things you should do first.
Change or Clean the Furnace Filter
An HVAC filter should be checked monthly and either cleaned or replaced at least every three months. This should be the first thing you do when preparing your heating system, especially if your furnace has its own filter. A clean filter will help your heating system run more efficiently and keep dust and other potentially harmful substances out of your air ducts.
Have Your Heating System Serviced
Changing or cleaning an air filter is a simple enough task to do on your own, but it is only a small part of making sure your heating system is working properly. If you want to make sure your furnace is ready for the winter, contact a Pittsburgh HVAC technician to look over your system. A good technician will ensure that your pilot light is lit, your thermostat is working correctly, make sure there are no leaks in your fuel pipe and heating exchanger, and test the overall efficiency of your furnace.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is produced whenever a fuel is burned. It is produced by your furnace, and while it is usually pumped safely outside of your home, a malfunctioning furnace can instead leak it inside. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, so make sure your home is equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors. These are just as important as smoke detectors, and they should be tested before the heating season begins. If they aren't working properly, purchase new batteries or new detectors. Never assume that you have nothing to worry about if you have a new or reliable furnace.
Seal All Air Leaks
Go through your home and feel for any drafts that are coming from your doors and windows. These air leaks can make for a cold house and an inefficient heating system, so seal them with weather stripping or caulking. Don't forget to check your attic or your basement, either. Most heat loss occurs when warm air rises, while cold air is drawn into the home through drafts in the basement.
Know When to Replace Your Furnace
An HVAC system has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so if your system is reaching that age you should consider a replacement. That may seem expensive, but getting a new and more reliable furnace is a lot cheaper in the long run than having to call a heating repair service in Pittsburgh on a regular basis. You should do this now before the temperature starts to drop; you don't want to be without heat once the winter rolls around.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start warming up your home for the cooler months ahead. Stay on top of your Pittsburgh home’s HVAC maintenance and repair by calling in the experts at Tudi Mechanical Systems. No matter what your system, our Pittsburgh HVAC Technicians know how to keep your home heated while keeping your home energy bill to a minimum. Get in touch with Tudi today to schedule your home heating evaluation, and make sure your home is prepared to handle the winter months that lie ahead.
