Everything You Need to Know about Heating System Maintenance – A Checklist Guide to Staying Toasty Warm All Winter
Heating system maintenance can seem overwhelming, especially with all the other items on your to-do list this time of year. However, as the cold months advance and you find yourself turning up the thermostat every day, now is the time to make sure your heater is in peak working order. For today’s blog we at Gorman Mechanical present you with an easy, self-explanatory checklist to ensure your furnace or heat pump is operating smoothly.
Schedule Your Fall Maintenance Check Up Now – As always, we strongly recommend you get your HVAC system checked by a professional twice a year, once in the spring and then the fall. November or December is a great time to make sure your entire system is inspected and components are cleaned and lubricated. If anything needs to be repaired, now is the time to know and act and not several months into winter when the problem has gotten out of hand.
- Replace Your Furnace Filter – Every cold season should begin with installing a fresh filter. This step ensures improved indoor air quality and heater performance. With a new filter, your heating system will work more efficiently at ridding contaminants and allergens in the air, helping your heating system work less hard at maintaining airflow, thus keeping your energy bill lower.After replacing the filter you’ll stick want to check it every month to make it sure it’s not clogged and is working correctly. You may need to replace it a second time if too much debris accumulates.
- Clear the Way – Before you start using your heating equipment regularly, you’ll want to remove any items stored within six feet of the system, which could reduce airflow to the unit. If the airflow is clogged, the unit must work harder and consumes more energy. Flammable items, such as cleaners, also pose a fire risk and should immediately be relocated. For heat pumps, remove all debris and items surrounding your outdoor unit for similar reasons.
- Don’t Forget Registers and Vents – You’ll also want to clear items away from all registers or events in your home and should repeat this step on a monthly basis. Similar to moving items away from the heating unit, clearing your vents will make every room warmer and keep your heater from having to work so hard.
- Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly risk when using fuel-burning systems. You’ll want check all carbon monoxide detectors at the beginning of the season and then monthly until the temperatures warm up. If your home is not equipped with detectors, install one for each floor of your home. You’ll also want to replace all batteries with fresh ones and test electrical connections to ensure proper function of every unit.
- Program the Thermostat – Make sure you program your thermostat with winter temperature schedules. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, we encourage you to purchase one because it will help you save both time and money as opposed to traditional manual thermostats.
Firing up your heater without a maintenance check could mean danger to your budget, health, and heating system. Make sure you follow this easy checklist as the chilly season fires up to ensure your comfort and the preventive maintenance of your unit throughout the next few months. For any more questions or information about heating system maintenance, make sure to give Gorman Mechanical a call today.
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Gorman Mechanical is interested in complete customer satisfaction and delivers on promises made. I have been completely satisfied with their integrity, honesty, customer loyalty, thoroughness and continued to follow up. I feel fortunate to have located their outstanding company among the many in the industry.
- Mark
Gorman Mechanical installed a brand new cooling and heating system in my home. The replacement unit was larger and more energy-efficient. Our house has never been cooler and our energy bill even went down…. I highly recommend them and their services.
- Thomas
I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
- S.M.
A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
- Allen
I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
- Rick
The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
- Jeannie
