Make Sure Your Heater Is Ready All Winter!

Staying indoors this winter means you need to make sure your heater is ready to serve you all winter long. The last thing you need during your cozy winter holidays is to find out that your furnace no longer operates properly. The best thing you can do for your winter warmth is to schedule preventative maintenance before the temperatures drop each year. Here are some ways to maintain your heater for winter in St. Louis, MO:

  • Schedule your preventative maintenance: When it comes to ensuring safe and consistent operation all year long, preventative maintenance is the key. Have your local HVAC contractor come out and work on your heater. Not only will they evaluate all the mechanical components and make sure they’re working properly, but they’ll also look at the electronics and ductwork. This helps ensure that every system is working the way it should, and you aren’t susceptible to problems like outages or carbon monoxide poisoning. It also helps your system work as efficiently as possible, which means you’ll save money on your utility bills all season long. While you can do some of these tasks yourself, there’s no substitute for working with a professional.
  • Change out your air filter: You change your air filter every month or so, right? If you’ve been slacking, there’s no better time to do it than now. The colder temperatures mean that your heater will have to work overtime to keep your home warm, especially if you haven’t changed your filter in a while. Some people think that gathering dust and debris helps (because they think it “catches” more allergens or pollutants), but the truth is that a dirty filter just drives up your utility bills.
  • Invest in a smart thermostat: Technology has come a long way in recent years, and one of the best ways you can use it is to invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow you to program the heat (and cooling) for specific times of day, so you get the benefits when you need them most. They also allow you to program your heater so it won’t come on during vacation unless you absolutely need it. Not only is this good for the planet, but it’s great for your utility bills. You’ll save a lot of money when you ensure your heater isn’t running when it doesn’t need to be.
  • Wipe everything down: Finally, after you replace your heater’s filter, make sure you wipe any dust, dirt and debris from the unit. If your heater is in an inaccessible location, your HVAC contractor can help—but make sure no one skips this step, as it can help your heater run more efficiently all season long.

When you need more advice about or help with keeping your heater working during winter in St. Louis, MO, Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling can help. We offer complete air conditioning and furnace repair services in St. Louis, including 24/7 help if your heater gives out unexpectedly. Reach out today to learn more or schedule an appointment.