Your heating system is the heart of your home during winter—ensure it runs smoothly with these essential maintenance tips.
Feeling the chill? Proper heating system maintenance isn’t just about staying warm; it’s about saving money and keeping your family comfortable year-round.
Easy Heating Maintenance Tips for a Cozy, Efficient Home
Whether you want to save money on your energy bills or spend less on repair costs, your home’s heating system can make or break your family’s budget. Moms have a shoestring budget to work with already, so it’s essential to be conscientious about the way you care for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump.
Through this beginner-friendly guide, you can gain a solid understanding of heating system basics and learn when you need to reach out for professional help.
Getting To Know Your Heating System
A typical furnace or boiler will generally last for at least 15 years. Meanwhile, heat pumps typically last for just 10 to 15 years. By understanding heater types and heating troubleshooting tips, you can achieve a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.
Types of Heating Systems
There are several key types of heating systems you may have in your home. Boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps are the most common types of heating methods.
A furnace works to heat the air directly by burning its fuel source. In comparison, a heat pump functions like a central air conditioner. It uses refrigerant to transfer heat from one place to another. Finally, a boiler heats up water that is then circulated through your home using radiators and pipes.
Typically, a heat pump is the most energy-efficient option. While heat pumps are more expensive than a boiler to install, they are cheaper to run and maintain over time. Furnaces are typically the most affordable option to install, but you’ll spend more on energy costs with a furnace than you would with a boiler or heat pump.
How Heating Systems Work
The way your home’s heating system works can vary based on the type of heating unit you have. For instance, a boiler heats up water that is then distributed through your home using a network of pipes. As the water goes through each room, it naturally heats the air around it.
With a furnace, a blower brings cool air in through your ductwork. This air is passed over a heat exchanger so that it warms up. Afterward, your heating system can redistribute the warm air throughout your home.
A heat pump is versatile because it can heat and cool your home. After you select the mode you want on your thermostat, the heat pump will use refrigerant, evaporator coils, condensers, and similar components to transfer heat. The refrigerant can pick up any heat that is in the outside environment, even on very cold days. Then, it releases this heat when it enters your home.
Importance of Heating System Efficiency
Your heating system efficiency is important for your overall energy efficiency and performance. When your heating system is more efficient, it can reach the correct temperature with less effort. In addition to lowering your energy bill, this reduces wear and helps you avoid costly repairs.
To ensure the maximum level of efficiency, try sealing drafts, installing proper insulation, and scheduling routine maintenance appointments.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If your heater doesn’t seem to be working correctly, there are a few heating troubleshooting tips you can perform before you schedule professional heating services.
- Check your thermostat. Sometimes, the thermostat gets set to the wrong temperature or mode.
- Open vents. You should also make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture or clothing.
- Replace your air filter every one to three months. During heavy use, you should try to change it every month.
After trying these furnace maintenance tips, you should reach out to a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company to determine why your heating system is still struggling to work properly.
Regular Maintenance Practices
One of the most important things you can do to protect your HVAC system is to schedule professional HVAC maintenance. This should ideally be done each fall before you need your heating system all the time. With the help of a professional HVAC provider, you can ensure your HVAC system’s long-term efficiency and safety.
As a part of your routine maintenance, you should regularly clean and change your filters. Test your thermostat to make sure it’s in working order. Additionally, you should routinely inspect your ducts for blockages. If you notice any holes in your ductwork, you should get them sealed up right away.
Why Professional Maintenance Matters
Professional maintenance is essential if you want to have an energy-efficient heating system. A local heating specialist can quickly inspect and repair common problems in your heating system. By fixing issues before they spiral out of control, the technician can help you save money on repair costs. Additionally, they can improve your heater’s performance and prevent common safety issues.
A furnace leak or electrical malfunction can be dangerous. Because of this, you should only turn to an HVAC technician you can trust. By working with a trusted heating service provider in your area, you can enjoy better peace of mind while your kids are sleeping at night.
FAQs About Home Heating Systems
To help you learn more about heating system basics, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions.
You should ideally get your heater inspected once a year. The best time is in the fall before you need your heater all the time.
While you can handle straightforward tasks, like changing your filter or cleaning vents, you should always get an HVAC professional to perform your inspection.
If you need repairs, you may notice uneven heating, unusual sounds, bad airflow, or inexplicably high energy bills.
A furnace uses fuel to generate its heat. Meanwhile, a heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer heat from the outside air into your home.
With a programmable thermostat, you can schedule your temperature preferences and reduce the amount of wasted energy.
Learn How To Protect Your Heating System
By learning more about how your home’s heating system works, you can ensure your family’s comfort and safety. Basic maintenance and regular HVAC appointments can boost your energy efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. With the help of a trusted heating specialist, like Fox Family Heating & Air Conditioning, you can get top-notch repairs and maintenance services for your home.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.