Now is the Time for Pre-Season Heating Inspection

When was the last time you scheduled heating and air service? Home heating units require annual attention, and should always be inspected before being put to use for the winter heating season.

What’s The Big Deal?

A pre-season inspection ensures safe, proper operation. This simple, preventative maintenance, performed by a trusted heating system repair company, can help you guard against poor performance, wasted energy, and unnecessarily high utility costs. In some systems, it can help guard against carbon monoxide and safety issues. In all cases, it can help you avoid unexpected and costly repairs on the worst days of winter, as well as long, uncomfortable wait times when everyone else who’s skipped routine service and maintenance has scheduled an emergency repair call, too.

Can I Perform A Pre-Season Heating Inspection Myself?

While some pre-season tasks are DIY-approved, others are best left to a pro:

• DIY a Go
  • Ensure proper airflow…
    Removing objects surrounding or blocking vents, registers, and your furnace. Be sure flammable items are properly stowed away from the furnace. Clean accessible areas with a vacuum and brush attachment, removing dust and debris.
  • Swap your furnace filter…
    Clean or replace last season’s filter. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, shortening its lifespan and inflating energy bills.
  • Test (or install) safety detectors…
    Install or test batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Ensure you have a sufficient number for the size/layout of your home and they are properly located and installed.
  • Give the system a trial run…
    It’s always best to make sure your heating services are adequately functioning before bitter winter temperatures set-in.
  • Smell something burning????
    You may notice some odd smells the first time you turn on your heater, but if you’ve changed your filter, they should be minimal. If odors do not burn off within 15 to 30-minutes of operation, or odors are significant or foul, this could indicate a major issue. Turn off your system immediately in the presence of foul odors or if you smell smoke, which could indicate a blocked vent/chimney and the potential for carbon monoxide buildup, and contact an HVAC pro for service and maintenance ASAP.
• Better for a Pro
  • Ensure venting and chimneys are clear…
    Grab a ladder, heading for higher home altitudes and checking for bird and insect nests and debris that could create a dangerous situation.
  • Check for leaks and safety issues…
    The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends homeowners schedule a professional heating system inspection and service annually. A pro can detect cracked heat and combustion chambers – issues typically invisible to the naked eye – that could result in deadly carbon monoxide buildup within the home. A pro can also identify thermostat malfunction, vent blockages, duct leaks, and other issues that can impact safety and decrease system performance, impacting comfort levels in your home.

It is time to schedule your heating tune up in Malvern. Ensure a safe and cozy winter season with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/now-is-the-time-for-pre-season-heating-inspection/