Dec 03 2014

When cold weather hits Georgia, Alabama and the heart of the South, you count on your heater to keep you warm. Invest in maintenance and treat your heater right to ensure that it rewards you with another season of efficient and trouble-free service. Ignoring maintenance recommendations is the top cause of equipment breakdowns and emergency repair calls. You can protect your HVAC system this winter by remembering these simple rules.

Change Filters

Changing filters is one of the easiest and most effective maintenance tasks, but it’s also one that gets ignored. To maintain optimal efficiency, inspect or change filters monthly. Remember that your heating system may have more than one filter. If you have a forced air system that’s powered by a furnace or heat pump, be sure to check the return and the secondary filters that are located near the furnace fan. Dirty filters make your system work 5 percent harder, which causes premature wear and tear.

Monitor Air Flow

To get the most from your heater, make sure that all vents are open and aren’t blocked by curtains, furniture or other items. If air isn’t being directed properly, your ducts might be blocked, crushed or disconnected.

Schedule Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is essential for ensuring the safe, efficient operation of your heating system. Whether you have a boiler, a heat pump or a furnace, a tune-up will improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan. Maintenance is especially important if your boiler or furnace burns fuel that will release hazardous gases if one component isn’t functioning properly.

Use Set-Back Temperatures

Maximize your savings by using appropriate set-back temperatures at night and when you’re away from home. Lowering the temperature by just 1 degree will reduce your energy bills by 1 or 2 percent. If you have a boiler or furnace, turn the temperature down to 56 degrees. If you have a heat pump, only turn the temperature down by 2 degrees. This will prevent the expensive backup heating system from running for extended periods.

Check Your Thermostat

Dead thermostat batteries are responsible for many emergency service calls. Although this is a simple problem, it causes homeowners significant anxiety. You can prevent this issue by checking the batteries and replacing them if necessary.

Saving money is important. Sometimes, it takes a small investment to realize greater savings. You won’t have to worry about the cost of a breakdown or emergency repair if you invest in heating maintenance instead. Call Watley Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your heating tune-up. We serve customers in Columbus, Georgia, and communities surrounding Auburn and Phoenix City in Alabama.