Over the summer, it is easy to forget about your heating system. Dust can collect on the air filters and in the duct system, lubricants can dry up, and maintenance can be postponed. When the cold finally comes, however, it is important to make sure you are prepared before you turn the heating system on for the winter.
If you haven’t yet scheduled maintenance for your heating system, or your furnace needs repair in Spring or The Woodlands, contact us online now to schedule an appointment!
Preparing to Turn on Your Heating System
Here are a few simple steps you should take before you turn on your heating system for the first time:
- Do a visual inspection. Check a furnace for obvious problems such as dirty burners, a damaged flue, loose duct connections, or a loose blower belt. Check the condenser on heat pumps or ductless mini spits to make sure it is clean and there is no debris close to the coils. Check for a clogged condensate drain and make sure there is no physical damage to refrigerant lines or electrical wires.
- Clean around the system. Remove any debris that is near the furnace or air handler, especially flammable materials like paper. Use a vacuum and rags to remove dust and dirt from the exterior of the furnace or air handler.
- Check the ducts. Inspect accessible air ducts for loose insulation, loose joints, and other damage. Check inside each vent for obstructions, especially floor vents that can easily catch debris while cleaning, and make sure all the baffles are open. Use a vacuum to remove visible dust from the vents and inside the ductwork.
- Clean or replace the air filter. If your air filter is disposable, remove it and install a new one of the equivalent size, type, and MERV rating. If the air filter is reusable, clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and reinstall it.
- Install new batteries in smoke and CO detectors. Test each smoke and carbon monoxide detector using the test button, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dust the vent opening on each detector to ensure that vapors can reach the sensor.
- Set your thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, review the program and make sure it is appropriate for the season and your schedule. By turning down the heat while you are way from home, you can save significantly on your heating costs.
- Test the heating system. If no problems were found during the inspection process, tun the system on and note any problems such as strange noises, abnormal smells, leaks, or airflow problems. Call a professional for repairs if you notice a problem.
- Have the heating system professionally serviced. Ideally, you should have the heating system inspected and maintained before you turn it on for the season, but if that was not practical, have it checked as soon as possible afterward. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning furnace burners, inspecting the heat exchanger, cleaning the coils on a heat pump, and lubricating moving components can help your heating system to run as efficiently and safely as possible, while preventing future problems and extending its lifespan.
If you notice any problems before or after starting your heating system, have it inspected by a professional.
Schedule Heating System Service in Spring & The Woodlands, TX
To get your heating system ready for the winter, contact our HVAC experts at Quality Comfort Air. We offer complete maintenance and repair services for furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini splits, and more. Our company serves residential and commercial customers throughout Spring and The Woodlands, and our friendly, certified technicians have the experience to handle all your heating and cooling needs.
Contact us today at 832-663-5373 to schedule heating service in Montgomery County!
