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When temperatures plummet, your heater becomes the unsung hero of your home, working tirelessly to keep you warm and comfortable. As HVAC contractors at Premier Heating & Air, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preventative care can save homeowners from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. Follow these simple tips to keep your heater running smoothly all winter long.
1. Replace Your Air Filters Regularly
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, forcing your heater to work harder than necessary and increasing the risk of a breakdown. To keep your system running efficiently, check your filter once a month during the heating season, and replace it every 1–3 months, depending on the type of filter and how much your system runs.
A clean filter not only improves your heater’s performance but also enhances indoor air quality, making it a win-win for your home.
2. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to catch potential issues before they become costly problems. During a professional tune-up, a licensed HVAC technician will:
- Inspect and clean critical components, such as the heat exchanger and blower motor.
- Check for signs of wear and tear.
- Test the system’s safety controls.
- Ensure optimal efficiency.
We recommend scheduling your annual maintenance in the fall, before winter sets in. However, it’s never too late to give your heater the attention it needs.
3. Keep Vents and Registers Clear
Blocked vents and registers can disrupt airflow, leading to uneven heating and increased strain on your system. To prevent this, make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren’t obstructing vents, vacuum dust and debris from registers regularly, and check that all vents are open and unobstructed to allow for proper airflow.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, reducing unnecessary heating when you’re asleep or away. To maximize its benefits, set the temperature lower when you’re not home and program it to warm up just before you return and avoid extreme temperature swings, as these can strain your heater.
Smart thermostats take this convenience a step further by learning your habits and adjusting settings automatically.
5. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear (For Heat Pumps)
If your home uses a heat pump, it’s crucial to keep the outdoor unit free of debris, ice, and snow. Regularly check for leaves, dirt, and other debris around the unit and gently clear away snow and ice using a broom or soft brush. A clean and unobstructed outdoor unit ensures your heat pump can operate efficiently even in freezing temperatures.
6. Monitor Your Heater’s Performance
Pay attention to how your heater is running. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to call a professional:
- Unusual noises, such as banging, rattling, or screeching.
- Inconsistent temperatures or uneven heating.
- An unexplained increase in your energy bills.
- Short cycling (frequent turning on and off).
Catching problems early can prevent costly repairs or a complete system failure.
7. Keep Your Heater Area Clear
If you have a furnace, make sure the area around it is free of clutter. This helps ensure proper airflow and reduces fire hazards. Avoid storing items like boxes, cleaning supplies, or flammable materials near the unit.
8. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
If something doesn’t feel right with your heating system, don’t wait to address it. Small issues can escalate quickly, especially during the peak of winter. At Premier Heating & Air, we’re here to help with prompt and reliable heating repair in Sandersville, GA.
Experience the Premier Difference! Premier Heating & Air has been family-owned and operated since 2001.