Even with outdoor temperatures getting lower, the thought of turning the heat on right now might be causing you to sweat. However, cold weather is fast approaching and with it comes the need to turn up the heat indoors. It’s important to ensure the safety and efficiency of your furnace or heat pump prior to cranking it up for the duration. Here are some tips to get your heating system ready for the season plus some steps to take before you are stuck with an inoperable heating system and you need professional help.
Step #1: Change That Filter
Your filter can get clogged with dust and debris over time, and as this happens, the heating system must work harder to heat the indoor air. Make sure to check and replace your filter regularly. We recommend having an extra filter on hand so you don’t get caught without one every time you need a replacement. Ask your MSCO technician to recommend the best filter to fit your home’s needs, and how often you should replace it.
Step #2: Set Your Thermostat
We’ve talked about the proper temperature at which to set your thermostat during the day but you should also make sure to program the thermostat to adjust with your seasonal lifestyle. During the cooler months, set it at a lower temperature when you’re out of the house for long periods of time, or at night after everyone has gone to bed. Then you can set it at a higher temperature during the hours when you are active at home (i.e. weekends and evenings.)
Step #3: Clear The Space Around Your Heating Unit
Whether your furnace is in a closet or in your garage, ensure that the space around the unit is clear. You never want to keep any flammable objects on or near the furnace, so make sure to relocate any items like these before the furnace is turned on, or it could become hazardous.
Step #4: Clear Around Heat Pump Outdoor Unit
You’ll want to make sure there are no leaves, dirt, or other outdoor debris blocking the outdoor heat pump unit or drain line outlets. Clearing at lease a three-foot perimeter around your unit will help your system run more efficiently and make it easier for your MSCO technician to perform their routine maintenance.
Step #5: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Get your furnace or heat pump regularly checked by a professional technician by signing up for our maintenance plan. We’ll do a thorough rundown of our safety checklist and make sure your entire system and all its parts are functioning properly. And if we find that they aren’t, our trained MSCO technician will alert you of any problems and recommend how to best handle them to keep your system operating safely and efficiently.
