As the first chilly days come, people begin to realize the necessity of a properly working heater when it is cold outside.
Your heating system guarantees your home is warm and comfortable, especially during the cold winter season.
However, similar to any other appliance, heaters may develop problems, become less efficient, develop faults, and require expensive repairs.
There are many things that a homeowner can do that would prevent many of the problems associated with heaters, and here are some of them.
In this article, we will discuss some things you can do and what you should avoid if you want to have a heater that will rarely require repairs.
1. Regular Maintenance is Key
The backbone of any well-functioning heater can be summed up as maintenance.
That is why it is important to conduct regular maintenance checkups on your heating system.
If you don’t, your system will be prone to developing problems that may lead to expensive repairs or even replacement.
It is good to hire professionals, such as those at Finest Heating & Air, for an annual heater inspection.
In maintenance, the technicians inspect the components of the system for signs of wear and tear, remove any dirt from the interior part of the system, and guarantee that the system is operating optimally.
Some essential maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning air filters: One of the biggest problems leading to heater inefficiency is dirty filters. Sometimes, the filter gets dirty, hampering airflow, which means the system has to exert more effort to heat your home. This not only results in high energy bills but also a high probability of overheating and breakdowns.
- Checking the thermostat: One may be surprised to discover that even thermostats can go wrong and give the heater a wrong signal to switch on and off at the wrong intervals. Correct setting guarantees your home the right temperatures it requires without putting pressure on the heater.
- Lubricating moving parts: Over time, the heater might experience a lot of friction, which can harm its components, including the motor and fan. Lubrication is useful in avoiding excess rubbing and, hence, ensuring that the heating system’s life does not shorten.
2. Change Air Filters Regularly
Another example of a primary but frequently overlooked function of heater maintenance is the air filter change.
One of the most common problems that you might face with your heaters is the issue of a dirty air filter.
When the filter is full of dust, dirt, and debris, it restricts the airflow, and as a result, the system struggles to force warm air into your house.
This not only puts pressure on the heater but also hampers the quality of the air in the house making people with asthma and other allergies and respiratory problems suffer.
Ideally, air filters should be changed in most homes once every 1-3 months, depending on usage and especially if one’s home environment contains pet dander or dust.
If you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, changing the filters more often will definitely improve your Indoor Air Quality.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Insulation and sealing a home are very important in minimizing the load on your heating system.
This is especially so where inadequate or poor insulation, gaps, and even drafts allow warm air to go out and the heater to struggle to sustain the required temperature inside the house.
To avoid this problem, it is essential to check that all the windows and doors are tight, particularly during the cold season.
You can also use weather stripping and caulking to plug any hole present in the house.
Also, make sure your home is well insulated; if it is not well insulated, then you should consider insulating your attic, walls, and floors.
This will assist in retaining heat more proactively and thus will only cause your heater to work up to what it ought to.
4. Monitor Your Thermostat Settings
One of the most frequent errors homeowners commit involves setting the thermostat to excessively high levels, particularly during the colder seasons.
This puts a lot of pressure on your heater, thus causing it to degrade very fast and even develop some mechanical faults.
Rather, do not set your thermostat to low, but to a comfortable level, as this will help save energy.
For example, the U. S. Department of Energy advises that you set your thermostat to 68°F when you are at home and awake and adjust it otherwise to save energy.
A programmable or smart thermostat is a purchase that may benefit you in managing the temperature in your home.
These devices enable one to program the temperature change to occur incrementally in an automatic manner, reducing the stress exerted on the heater and also saving energy in the process.
5. Address Minor Issues Promptly
Minor problems with your heater are likely to grow into major ones if not dealt with as soon as possible.
A squealing, grinding, or other unpleasant noise, changes in the temperature, especially going up, or an increase in energy bills are all indicators that your heating system is not working as it should.
However, if you find any of the signals mentioned above, they must be treated immediately.
For instance, some noises to look out for can be banging or rattling, which could indicate loose parts, whereas temperature fluctuations could point toward a bad thermostat or ductwork.
Catching our professional from Finest Heating & Air at the initial signs of a problem will help avoid these small problems from turning into major repair jobs or complete system failures.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Some heating systems require ventilation to work safely and effectively, so this is a very important aspect.
Vents that are blocked or obstructed will result in a lack of proper airflow in your house, putting more work on the heater than it should.
This can also be dangerous at times, such as when carbon monoxide accumulates from heaters powered by gases.
Check your home’s vents frequently to ensure they are clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, or debris.
It is also highly advisable to check your heating system’s chimney or exhaust flue to ensure they are clean and functional.
7. Keep the Area Around the Heater Clear
One should ensure that there are no obstructions around the heater in form of objects or any other things.
Storing items right near the heating unit not only reduces the circulation of air but is also flammable especially if you have a furnace.
Another important feature that needs to be incorporated in the design is to make sure there is enough space around the heater to avoid any danger of fire outbreaks and to also encourage free flow of air.
Also, if your heating system is placed in a utility room or basement make sure that there are no flammable materials around like paper, gasoline or cleaning supplies.
8. Know When to Call a Professional
Although it is important to perform routine maintenance on your heater to prevent breakdowns, there are times when you will need an expert to repair it.
Trying to solve difficult problems in the absence of adequate knowledge or equipment can lead to aggravation or even fatality.
Issues like wiring, gas, or the heat exchanger are best handled by Finest Heating & Air and other professionals.
Only an experienced professional who specializes in HVAC can diagnose your heater’s problem and fix it to provide you with a safe and efficient heater.
In addition, professional tune-ups help detect other issues that may be present and that would be costly to fix in the future.
9. Consider Upgrading Your Heater
If your heater is over 15 years old, then it may be advisable to replace it with a more efficient one.
The heaters that are currently on the market are considerably older models, and they tend to break down often. They do not provide efficient heating to your home.
Today’s heating systems are much more energy efficient than those of the past; this makes it possible for you to save on your energy bills and the number of times you will be required to repair your system.
Furthermore, a more efficient heater model could offer better heating and better air quality indoors.
Even though purchasing a new heater may cost some money at the initial time of purchase, the benefits reaped in the long run, and the assurance it provides are worth the price.
Conclusion
Here are tips that can help you avoid some of the issues that may cause heater repair problems.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your heating system is properly maintained and well insulated to prevent energy wastage and that any problem with it is addressed as early as possible, especially during the colder months.
However, if you are faced with such problems that would be best handled by professionals, feel free to call Finest Heating & Air for professional services and repairs.
If you take the initiative and get assistance from a professional, you will be able to maintain the heater in perfect condition and safe for use throughout the years.
