As we move into the colder fall and winter months, your home heating system will be under the gun to keep you and your family cozy and warm. To get the most out of your furnace, there are several things you might want to do now to make sure all is working well.
+ Examine your radiators and/or ductwork and vacuum dust in and around them. Remove any items under or on top of radiators and move any furniture or other obstructions from air vents so warm air can move freely.
+ Check your thermostat to make sure it is working well. You can do this by turning up the temperature higher than normal and making sure the furnace kicks in. If it does not, you may need to replace your thermostat or even upgrade to a new programmable version like those featured in our October blog.
+ Turn your ceiling fans into winter mode. This will allow the cold air to be drawn up and warmer air pushed down. Follow directions to reverse to a clockwise direction and set for a slow speed for maximum benefit.
+ Think about adding a humidifier to your home. This can give you a more comfortable heat and take away the dryness that can sometimes cause coughs, dry throats, snoring and can also keep skin and hair moist, not to mention benefits for wood floors, furniture and plants.
+ Change the furnace filter. With the furnace being used far less in the summer and early fall, this is often forgotten and can make a huge difference in the quality and freshness of the air in your home. As well, a dirty furnace filter will cause your furnace to work harder and be less efficient.
+ Seal windows and doors to help keep warm air in and cold air out, which can save fuel costs and reduce drafting.
+ Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and install fresh batteries or replace units if they are out of date or defective.
+ Lastly, if you haven’t already done so, have a certified technician inspect your heating equipment and oil tank and perform an annual tune-up so everything works optimally.
At Scotia Fuels, we want you to be ready for the cold. We would be pleased to schedule you for an annual inspection and tune-up, set you up for automatic delivery so you’ll never run out of oil, or answer any of your questions about preparing your home for winter.
Having your home prepared will provide peace of mind and add to your family’s comfort and safety.