Winters in Beaumont are by no means the harshest in our country, but that does not mean you should ignore your furnace. Neglect and lack of care can lead to costly repairs and higher heating bills. At Efficient Systems, we’re here to be sure you’re prepared for the coming cold season. Follow this guide to help you keep your heater running efficiently this winter.
Be Consistent
While it may be tempting to set your thermostat to a higher number when your house feels chilly, this is counterproductive. Setting your thermostat higher does not make your home heat up faster. On the contrary, it puts additional strain on your heater as it makes it run for longer in an attempt to reach a higher temperature goal. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to better control the temperature in your home and avoid potentially higher heating bills. Smart thermostats help maintain a constant, comfortable temperature which can help extend the life of your heater.
Replace Your Filter
If you practice no other routine furnace maintenance on your own, at least develop the habit of replacing your filters regularly. Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing your filters every one to three months, depending on use. This is an easy chore to accomplish without having to call in a professional and it will do nothing but benefit you and your household. Clean filters improve the overall air quality of your home, allow your heater to run more efficiently and you can avoid costly repairs and maintenance down the road.
Check the Control Valve
Become familiar with your furnace, at least as far as checking the control valve. If your home is heated with gas, ensure the control valve is turned on when cold weather arrives. Without fuel, your furnace cannot function and you’re setting yourself up for a miserable winter. If your furnace isn’t producing heat, double-check the control valve before contacting a professional. Sometimes the simple solution is the key to success. If you still run up against an uncooperative furnace, contact us today to take advantage of our Maintenance Program.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance Services
Get a furnace tune-up before the temperature drops. If you want to take care of things on your own, clean the motor blower and filter system at the very least. For residents in the Beaumont area looking for heating maintenance services, Efficient Systems offers professional-grade tune-ups.
Clean Your Vents
Make sure your vents are clean before you start relying on your furnace this winter. Bird nests and other debris may be blocking your vent pipes. Don’t risk carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Invest in a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t already have one, and test it to make sure it is functioning.
Think Ahead
When the temperature warms back up in spring, set yourself up for success next winter. Shut down your furnace by turning the control valve to shut off the flow of gas. You should take note that the pilot light goes out. If you do not have a central air conditioning system, you can also turn off the electrical power to the furnace as well.
There is no such thing as an infinite furnace. Eventually, all appliances require maintenance of some kind. Even with proper care, your heater still needs to be serviced annually. Contact the professionals at Efficient Systems to schedule your furnace tune-up today!