Getting Your Home Ready For Winter, Part 1:
Safety first.
Turning on your furnace for the first time after months of inactivity is often a shock. It can literally be a shock to your heating system, and it might even be a shocking experience when you get your first heating bill! But there are a few common sense things you can do to get your heating system ready for winter. And, take it from a Grass Valley heating tech who visits a variety of homes every day, most people do not adequately prepare their home for the peak winter months. Here is some advice to consider before the winter sets in.
It’s highly recommended to have a fire extinguisher next to your furnace, fireplace or heating system at all times, especially when turning on the system for the first time.
Turn your furnace on now.
Got it switched on? Good. Now stop and immediately check your common senses.
1. Smell: Does it smell like something is burning? If so, first check to be sure there is not an actual fire or smoke coming from the heating system. If there is, turn the system off immediately (you have that fire extinguisher, right?) Put out any flames or get out and call 911. If there’s not a fire, wait and see if the burning smell subsides. If not, this is a sign that the system needs to be tuned-up. Call ABT and we’ll be right out 530-272-9120
2. Listen: Does it sound like the system is struggling? Is the noise level or airflow excessive? This is also a sign that the furnace needs to be tuned-up.
3. Feel: Feel the ducts and walls. Are there any vibration? Do you feel any air moving like an air leak from the ducts? If so, I recommend a performance inspection/tune up to identify the cause.
4. Look: Check your carbon monoxide detectors readings. You do have a carbon monoxide detector, don’t you? If the carbon monoxide alarm goes off or if the reading is above 30, turn the heating system off immediately and call ABT for a furnace Performance Inspection. This is a sign that there could be a potentially hazardous condition. Open all the windows to air out the house and do not turn the heat on again until it is checked by a professional heating technician. You should also exit the home until the reading falls below 30.
5. Look again: Have you replaced the air filter lately? Your filter should be replaced monthly to help keep your indoor air healthy and clean but also it will save you money on your heating bill. A clogged air filter can cost you some serious money on your energy bill.
After you’ve tested your heating system and followed your common senses, you should have a pretty good idea if the system is working normally. By design, any appliance or equipment that heats up can be a potential hazard, so always put safety first when it comes to your furnace. Checking your heating system early in the heating season not only helps you know if there are problems now or on the horizon, but will save you money in the long run. Most all equipment manufactures recommend having your furnace checked by a qualified technician at least yearly. So after your basic check give ABT a call for a full inspection of your heating system. We’re offering an early bird tune-up special for only $79.00 from now until November 30th, regularly $149.00.
Call us today 530-272-9120
ABT Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air Conditioning serves:
Nevada County, Placer County, Grass Valley, Ca. Alta Sierra, Ca. Nevada City, Ca. Penn Valley, Ca. Rough and Ready, Ca. Lake Wildwood, Ca. Smartsville, Ca. Colfax, Auburn, Ca. Lake of the Pines, Ca. Meadow Vista, Ca. Newcastle, Ca. and all places in-between.