What Should I Know About My Home’s Heater?
When winter slowly approaches Tennessee, those once warm, sunny days will soon be a distant memory, and you’ll be faced with below-average temperatures. Of course, when this happens, your home’s heater will be there to keep you and your loved ones warm throughout the season.
However, just like anything else, there’s a chance that your heater may not be able to perform its job to the same caliber, as it has done in the past, this year — whether that be due to its age or putting off routine maintenance appointments.
Regardless, many different factors help your heater function properly and keep it running smoothly all season long. That said, here are some common tips and tricks to know about your heater.
Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Heater
Maintenance is Vital
As mentioned earlier, maintenance appointments should be scheduled annually — and in some instances, more than once a year. These scheduled “checkups” will help keep your heater working in optimal condition, giving you peace of mind throughout the season, knowing that there’s less of a chance of being left in the cold.
During a routine maintenance appointment, your certified heating technician will have a “one-on-one” with your unit and will examine every square inch of it, inside and outside. Now, if your technician happens to stumble upon a problem — such as an ignition problem — they’ll be able to repair it in that instance, preventing a potential issue down the line.
Repairs are Crucial
While on the topic of a technician detecting a problem during a maintenance appointment, repairs are essential and should always be addressed right away. If an issue with your heater is neglected and put off for another day, the consequences could be dire.
Homeowners should call a heating technician right away if they encounter any of the following problems:
Your furnace is making strange noises.
You’ve had the heat on for a while, and your home is still cold.
The heater unexpectedly shut off.
Your thermostat doesn’t seem to be working.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Just like technology, thermostats have come a long way. Nowadays, there are programmable thermostats or “smart thermostats” that can be controlled through a smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world — as long as you have a steady internet connection.
Not only do these thermostats host this benefit, but they can also alert you if there’s a potential problem with your unit (i.e., such as needing a filter replacement), as well as let you adjust your heater’s “work schedule” — which can help save energy in the long run.
Consider Having a New Heater Installed
Whether your old unit is giving you trouble or you’re just ready to upgrade your current heater — it’s a great idea to consider! Just like thermostats, heaters have improved drastically over the years (and for the better, too)!
Some of the benefits of a new heater include, but are not limited to:
Runs much more efficiently.
Heats your home adequately and evenly.
Furnace Filters Should Be Replaced Often
Since your home’s heating system will run regularly until the spring, it’s imperative to change the filter out often. Failure to do so can hinder the unit’s performance and create an uneven distribution of heat throughout your home.
On average, you should consider replacing your furnace’s filter minimally once every three months — as you would with a central air conditioner. Of course, this depends on the filter's make; if it’s of a higher-quality, you may only need to replace it every six months.
If you cannot recall the last time you replaced your furnace’s filter, swap it out right away — as this can provide you with peace of mind and keep your furnace in good working order.