It is easy to ignore a heating system in Central Florida, until a chilly day arrives. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that Florida residents spend 9 percent of their household energy dollars on home heating. However, this statistic does not imply that residential heating activity is efficient. Preventive maintenance tasks are important for achieving safe and comfortable home conditions while also optimizing the management of household energy resources. Following are some important steps for preparing a heater for winter.
Re-Program Thermostat Settings
ENERGY STAR’s setting recommendations for programmable thermostats help homeowners to manage heating activity seamlessly as their households handle daily activities. If you run the heat, use a 70-degree setpoint or lower for waking time and evenings. Drop that setting by 8 degrees for daytime and sleeping. In preparing for winter heating needs, a homeowner may want to upgrade to a more advanced thermostat for better comfort and energy results.
Replace Air Filters
Start the heating season with a fresh air filter to ensure that the heater can operate efficiently. Dirty filters can create efficiency problems by obstructing the airstream carrying treated air through the home. Clogged filters are also a leading cause of heating repairs during the winter, making regular changes a simple but crucial maintenance task.
Clean Air Vents
Blockages and dirt at air vents can interfere with system efficiency. In preparation for winter, be sure to remove any draperies or other external materials from the area of the vents to eliminate obstructions. Families with young children should inspect vents for misplaced toys or clothing items as well. Vacuum around vents to remove dust and grime that has accumulated. Avoid making major adjustments to vent openings, which could alter a heater’s efficiency.
Schedule Heating Maintenance
A tune-up promotes safe and efficient winter heating. This allows an HVAC technician to inspect all heat exchangers, fuel lines and electronic components. A technician will identify parts that have worn out or broken, recommending replacements as needed to minimize the risk of system malfunctions during the coming months. This is also a critical time for identifying and resolving potential carbon monoxide dangers such as blocked venting equipment in a gas heater.
Get Ready for Winter with Air Tech of Central Florida
Air Tech of Central Florida is available to assist with expert heat pump or furnace maintenance this fall. Contact Us today.
Author Bio:
Luigi Ferraro
Specializing in residential and commercial HVAC services, Air Tech offers a wide range of solutions to meet the heating and cooling needs of their customers. Their team of skilled technicians is trained to handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems with expertise and precision.
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