By now you have turned your heater on and used it some through the fall season. But is your heater ready for the even colder temperatures of winter? If you have doubts, now is a good time to schedule heater service in Salem, VA.
Our team can check out your heater and make recommendations for repairs to keep your heater working great all season long. Of course, if it’s time for a heater replacement we can talk to you about your options there, too. Keep reading to learn more about why you want to make sure your heater is ready for the coming holiday season.
Operation
One of the best things you can do for your heater is to pay attention to how it is operating. If you notice loud noises, changes in heating cycles, bad odors, or any other unusual changes in how your heater is operating, then it’s time to schedule a maintenance appointment. It’s better to stay ahead of a problem than to put service off only to schedule an emergency repair appointment when your heater breaks down.
Maintenance
Be sure that you are keeping up with monthly maintenance for your heater. You need to change out the air filter every 1-3 months during the heating season.
Your air filter not only keeps the inside of your heater clean, but also impacts airflow. If your filter gets too full of dirt, then enough air cannot enter your heater to warm up your home. This can put a strain on the system and lead to your heater turning off in the middle of a heating cycle due to a lack of airflow.
Another important part of maintaining your heater is dusting your home. Dirt and dust can do a lot of damage to the inside of your heater. Wiping down surfaces and vacuuming is a great way to protect your heater and also improve your indoor air quality.
You also need to check the exhaust vent outside of your home to make sure that it is free from any blockages such as snow or leaves. If exhaust air cannot exit your home easily, your furnace may shut itself down and not work until the blockage is cleared.
Settings
Another way to ensure that your heater is ready for the holidays is to check your thermostat settings. You want to be certain that your thermostat is switched over to heat and that the temperature is set high enough to keep you warm. Yet you also want to check that the temperature is not too high.
Experts recommend that you set your thermostat no higher than 68° for heating. If you like your home to be slightly warmer, that’s OK. But setting your thermostat too high can put strain on your heater and lead to it breaking down or needing frequent repairs.
We can help you make the best choice for heater repair needs. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.