As the days get shorter and a new season approaches, there are many things to prepare for during these cold days of winter.  As we start to prepare for the holiday season, it is also important to make sure that the heating system in your home is working properly.

One of the most important things homeowners can do to prepare their homes for winter is to take care of their home heating systems and make sure that their oil or gas heating systems are working effectively and efficiently. The National Fire Protection Association also urges homeowners to have their chimneys cleaned and inspected every year, just like their heating equipment.

The heating experts at Energy.gov recommend that you maintain your heating equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. They advise homeowners to, “Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having an HVAC professional do annual pre-season check-ups.” The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following maintenance checks for heating systems:

• Check thermostat settings to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
• Lubricate all moving parts. Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and can increase the amount of electricity you use.
• Check and inspect the drain in your central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump. A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
• Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.

In addition, all gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchangers should be inspected.  Gas (or oil) connections that do not function properly can be a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger can cause a burner to malfunction. Any of these issues can cause the equipment to operate less efficiently and become a safety hazard.

The best way to ensure that your heating system is functioning safely and efficiently is by hiring an experienced professional to perform a thorough inspection and safety check.  Excellent Air Conditioning and Heating Services Inc. can inspect and perform any necessary maintenance on your heating system to ensure that it is functioning properly.  They can also perform carbon monoxide testing and test your system for any dangerous leaks, to ensure the safety of your home and family. Give them a call before the holidays and before the cold winter season begins at 631-427-0677.