The weather outside is getting frightful, so keep the inside of your home delightful. With cold fronts on the horizon it’s time to check your home’s furnace to make sure it’s ready for winter!
A typical Tulsa winter is unpredictable to say the least! We can have days in the 30’s followed by days in the 70’s! Besides needing your A/C in the winter, you’ll also need your heater. If it hasn’t run yet this year, now is the time to check on things and make sure they’re in working order. Here’s a quick list of what to look for so you’re ready for the change of seasons.
Check & Change your Air Filter
Clogged filters are one of the largest causes of poor heat in your home. If air doesn’t circulate through your system properly your heat will be lacking when it really gets cold! Not to mention the drop in efficiency from clogged filters.
Filters can be hard to find at times depending on how your heating system is setup. Some common places to find the filter are on the front of the furnace, behind a grate on your ceiling, or on the wall. It could also be located up in your attic!
It’s recommended to change the filters in your home every 90 days! If you’re having trouble finding yours give us a call, our pros at Dowd are happy to help, we can even check your full system over!
Run your heater before it gets cold outside
If your heater hasn’t run this year it’s time to get it up and running.
It may seem simple, but running your heater before it gets really cold outside is one of the best ways to check things over. If it needs repairs it’s better to find out on a moderate day than on the coldest day of the year!
Some things to look for once your heater is running are strange smells, odd noises, and carbon monoxide. Your heating system can seem complicated, if you have any questions about it feel free to reach out to us for help!
Check Your Thermostat
Does your thermostat run on batteries? If so when is the last time those got replaced?
Thermostat batteries are one of our most common replacement items. Save yourself the time and money of a service call and check those batteries before the winter!
Other things to look for are how your thermostat is set. What temperature are you comfortable at in the winter time? The recommended ideal home temperature in winter according to Energy.gov is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another great thing to check is your Thermostat schedule. When you’re away you can lower the temperature in your home to save on energy costs! Creating a schedule around your times at home is a great way to save on energy. Depending on your needs a smart thermostat can also be a great investment!
Inspect your safety devices
Have you tested your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors recently?
Safety devices in your home are a key part of staying comfortable in the winter as well! When your furnace / heater is running it can produce carbon monoxide gas. This gas needs to be properly ventilated away from your home. Breathing carbon monoxide gas is not good for your health!
Most devices are easy to test, simply find the test button on the device and ensure it alerts you properly! If your detectors have replaceable batteries now is a great time to replace those as well, there’s nothing more frustrating than that beeping smoke detector in the middle of the night and not having new batteries on hand.
Schedule Regular Maintenance on Your Furnace
When was the last time you had your Furnace and heating system components inspected by an HVAC technician?
If you’re not happy with the answer you should add an inspection to your list of to-dos before it gets cold outside.
It’s recommended to get your heating system checked at least once a year. Don’t go without heat in the cold winter months by putting things off until your system breaks. Our licensed technicians will generate a full report of your HVAC system’s health. If any minor maintenance is needed along the way we’re here to help! Our technicians can also let you know if a replacement is in your future, and help get the most out of your existing heating system.
The peace of mind in knowing your home will be comfortable and warm this winter is priceless.
Let Us Help Keep Your Furnace in Tip-Top Shape
Call Dowd Heat & Air at (918) 437-3721 to get your heater checked, an expert’s opinion, or an estimate for repairs.
We can also quote you on a new furnace, or heater while pricing favorable!
Keep your home or business comfortable this winter with Dowd Heat & Air.
