Wrapping Up The Heating Season Safely
Posted on: 31 January 2018
Much of the country is still in need of added heat to combat winter temperatures, but as spring approaches, it's time to start looking at ways to safely wind up heater season and transition into air conditioning season. Depending on how your system is set up, this could be one smooth process, or it could require two separate attempts. The purpose is to ensure the heater stays in good shape as the weather gets warmer and you use the heater less, while also preparing the air conditioner to start working for the next few months.
Change the Filter
If one thing is going to keep your heater and air conditioner working well, it's changing the filter on a regular basis. However, this very quick task is very easy to forget. You may have just one filter for a central air and heat system, or you could have separate filters for a furnace and an air conditioner compressor. Smaller units, like portable space heaters and window air conditioners, don't really have these filters, but if you have anything much bigger than that, look for a filter or contact an HVAC repair company to help you find the filters in the system.
Changing the filters helps keep the airflow moving efficiently and prevents your HVAC system from being overworked. A clogged filter can lead to the system desperately trying to force air in through the overstuffed layers of dust that build-up on filters over time.
Inspect Both Systems
Whether you have separate heating and cooling systems or a combined central system, have your home's temperature controls inspected around spring. Your heater should be in good enough shape to lie dormant for a few months without anything suddenly breaking, and you'll need to inspect the air conditioner to ensure it's ready to use. If you don't inspect the systems, you risk the air conditioner suddenly stopping when you need it most, and you risk finding that the heater will not work properly once you start it up again next fall.
Change Your Detector Batteries
If your HVAC or furnace is gas-based, you should have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Now is the time to change the batteries if you don't have a habit of doing that when Daylight Savings Time returns. Remember that your gas lines and appliances can leak carbon monoxide even when the appliances aren't in use. Do not assume that just because your gas-powered furnace won't be on during hotter months that you're completely safe.
The twice-yearly switch between heating and air conditioning doesn't have to take up much of your time. Have a qualified HVAC repair company take a look at both the heater and air conditioner to ensure your house's environmental control system has a clean bill of health. To learn more, contact a company like A-1Finchum Heating.
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