Top Tips for Pre-Winter Heater Maintenance

by Kevin Smith Author

It's autumn, and that means that it's time to say goodbye to the summer heat and welcome some cool, windy, comfortable temperatures. However, these conditions don't last for long, and soon after comes an intense winter chill. By the time the holidays roll around, you'll probably be using your heater nonstop.

But what if your heater isn't ready for the winter? Several months of near-continuous operation is a lot to put any appliance through, especially a heater that's several years old. Experts in HVAC repair in Atlanta recommend that you conduct a pre-winter maintenance check. These are some expert tips from real technicians on how to make sure your heater is completely ready for its winter labor.

Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat isn't perfect, even though you might not expect it to need attention. It's more complex than it looks, and can actually develop some unusual issues. For instance, it may perform incorrect temperature readings, fail to communicate with your appliances, or worse. Test its ability to turn on the heater and guide it to a comfortably warm temperature.

Check Filters

Dirty air filters can block air flow, limiting the heat that comes through your vents. Dirty filters can even contribute to poor indoor air quality. If you have trouble accessing your filters, feel free to contact a local technician. They'll gladly assist you.

Clean Machine

Clean and tune up the heater to minimize your possibility of encountering problems during the winter. Keeping the system clean also makes it more efficient so you spend less money on heating per month. You should leave this process to trained professionals, who know how to avoid the hot or electrical components that can be dangerous to touch.

Cleaning the heater also includes a comprehensive inspection of important components within the machine. If any parts are found have rust or other signs of damage, a technician will recommend and can perform repairs as needed.

Clean Surroundings

Eliminate debris, dust, dirt, cobwebs, and other gunk from around the heater to give it a good air supply and to prevent any possibility of pollutants entering the heater. Flammable materials should be kept far away from a heater.

Contact a local technician specializing in HVAC repair in Atlanta for assistance with these pre-winter checks. Remember that a good investment in service now saves you money and some chilling breakdowns during the cold winter season.