Fall is here and winter will soon be upon us.  With cold temperatures approaching now is the time to make sure your heating system is ready to perform.  Here are a few tips to help you prepare.

1. Perform maintenance on your heating system.
Having your system cleaned and inspected every year is a good starting point when trying to maximize system performance.  Costly repairs can often be identified early and avoided.  You also reduce your risk of having your equipment malfunction or breakdown during the peak of winter.  Another often overlooked benefit is that you develop a relationship with a company when you have them perform seasonal maintenance on your system.  They know your equipment history and often give you priority service over non-maintenance customers.  This comes in really handy on those cold winter nights.

2. Check and replace your air filter.
Dirty filters can significantly reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of your system.  If the air restriction becomes too significant it could lead to system damage or failure.  If you are still using a 1" or 2" filter you may want to consider upgrading to a high efficiency media filter.  It could improve your air quality, system efficiency and offer greater protection for your equipment.

3. Clean the leaves and debris from around your heat pump.
Make sure that there are no obstructions around your heat pump that can prevent air flow.  Leaves may tend to build up around the base of a heat pump unit during the fall.  Make sure to sweep them away.  Also, remove any considerable snow build up from around the unit.

4. Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers.
Have furnaces inspected for gas leaks and cracked heat exchangers.  You may also want to have any vented appliances or mechanical devices inspected.  Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home.  

5. Upgrade your insulation.
Upgrade the insulation in your attic, basement or crawlspace if necessary and possible.  This is often a low expense option that yields huge rewards in terms of comfort and energy savings. 

6. Close crawl space air vents.
Many homes have air vents in their crawl space or foundation walls that should be closed in the winter to prevent cold air from circulating under the house. 

7. Locate and seal air gaps in your home. 
This may be a little difficult to do without professional help.  However, you can start by making sure that there are no obvious holes or air passages that communicate from an un-insulated basement or crawl space with your living space.  Attics, knee-walls, chases, fire places, old windows and attic access doors are also notorious culprits.  Their are special tools and instruments that we can use to locate these air gaps.  We can then advise you on how to fix these problems.  The energy savings and comfort improvement are often significant.

8. Inspect your duct system and seal any leaks.
Leaks in your duct system can cause significant energy loss and comfort problems.  Supply leakage robs your home of warm air intended for that space.  Instead, the air is lost in the attic, the crawl space or between floors.  Return leakage can pull cold air from the attic or crawl space into your duct system.  In return, your heating system must work harder to heat this unconditioned air.  Even worse, the process never ends.  Every time your system runs it is losing conditioned air and pulling in unconditioned air.  You keep paying all winter long.  Most duct systems, if exposed, can be fixed.  In some case the process can be labor intensive.  However, the investment often pays for itself in energy costs and comfort within the first two years.  Many homeowners can make the repairs themselves. 

9. Install a humidifier.
Humidifiers help prevent damage to wood floors and furniture due to dry winter air.  They can also provide relief to those who suffer from sore throats and noses in the winter due to a lack of humidity in the home. By maintaining proper humidity levels in the home you will also feel warmer at lower temperatures because your body will retain more moisture.  You will feel more comfortable and can save energy costs by setting your temperature lower.

2001 Hideout Lane  Bowie, Maryland 20716
301-249-3543  ∙ 410-741-9340 ∙ 301-218-5945 (Fax)
customerservice@thomasrowens.com