Winter Weather Tips For Your Home

With winter weather just around the corner, now is the time to make sure your heating system will keep you out of the cold. Proper care can keep your unit running efficiently this winter and help you avoid costly repairs. Follow these winter weather tips for your home!

Most heating systems require very little owner maintenance. However, operating a dirty furnace can result in unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the unit. You play a vital role in making sure your heating system operates at peak performance.

Although it’s best for a qualified service technician, like those here at LHT Cooling, Heating and Refrigeration, Inc., to handle most maintenance on your furnace, experts agree there are a few procedures you can do at the beginning of each heating season to ensure a more comfortable winter.

• Always replace air filters at the beginning of the heating season and check them monthly. Dirty filters need to be replaced to prevent equipment from working harder, which results in energy waste and possible internal damage.
• Remove clutter from around the furnace. Items stored near the furnace are a fire hazard. They can also obstruct combustion air supply.
• Check the chimney and flue pipe connections for tightness, blockages or loose connections.
• Listen for unfamiliar noises. Set the thermostat to “HEAT” and move the setting above room temperature. If you repeatedly hear new or unfamiliar sounds while your unit is operating, there may be a problem.
• Pay attention to unusual odors. Units emit odors if components are operating in abnormal conditions.
• Look for visible signs of a malfunctioning unit. Examples include unusual amounts of moisture on windows inside your home, visibly burnt components, or unusual dirt or rust accumulations on the vent pipe or in the unit.
• Seek medical attention if you experience headaches, nausea, fatigue or dizziness. If you feel flu like symptoms in your home, but not when you are out of your home, carbon monoxide gas could be the cause.

So follow these winter weather tips for your home and feel warm and cozy till Spring!