The summer is coming to an end here in Portland, OR, and while we may have a few more hot days to come, you’re going to start using your air conditioner less and less and your heater more and more. Now is the best time to get your heater prepped for fall, when temperatures are still warm. A little care and forethought can make a big difference this winter, both in terms of monthly heating costs and in terms of reducing the risk of breakdown. Here’s a few tips on how to prepare your heater for fall.
Schedule a Maintenance Session
A maintenance session from a qualified technician is an excellent way to treat a lot of little issues that haven’t yet added up to a big one yet. He or she will clean off the burner heads, unclog any build-up, replace any filters and perform other little clean-up duties that prevent the heater from functioning at its best. This is especially important at the end of summer, when your heater has sat for a little while and accumulated dust and other issues. As a result, it will function more efficiently – saving you money on monthly bills – and you’ll run a lower risk of repairs to boot. In the event a bigger problem is found, you can schedule a repair before the weather gets too cold.
Reprogram Your Thermostat
Homeowners lose a lot of energy by not properly recalibrating their thermostat settings for the shorter months of winter. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler than you normally might, then wear warmer clothes around the house. You should also program your thermostat to turn the heat off after you leave in the morning and turn it on again when you return at night.
For more tips on preparing your heater for fall, contact The Clean Air Act, Inc., today!