Temperatures are turning colder in the Denver area, and many people are pulling out their ski jackets, prepping their snowboards, and prepping for a winter filled with outdoor activities. Throughout Colorado, residents love to be outside in any season, and with incredible ski, cross-country, and snowboard opportunities across the state, it’s no wonder why winter is just as popular to be outside as the summer.
There are hundreds of ways to get outside and enjoy the winter weather, but no one wants to invite that crisp, winter air into their Denver home. To keep the cold outdoors this winter, you should be checking more than your skis for damage and signs of wear and tear – your heater needs a quick set of inspections and maintenance as well. For the four things, you should check on your heating system before winter fully arrives in Denver, keep reading!
Inspect and Replace Your Heater Filters
The air filters on your heater are responsible for preventing the dirt and dust in your heater from circulating throughout your entire house. However, to effectively keep this debris from affecting air quality and the efficiency of your furnace or heater, the filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. Regular maintenance and replacement of your heater filters can help keep your family healthy throughout the winter and have a positive effect on the costs of your heating bill.
Heating and air conditioning professionals recommend you inspect these filters every couple of months and be prepared to change them four times a year. The actual need to replace an air filter fluctuates from household-to-household, but before winter is definitely the essential time to inspect the condition of these air filters.
Clean Burners and Other Dusty Components
As your heater sits idle during spring, summer, and most of the autumn it can collect a lot of dust and dirt. Failure to maintain and clean the heater’s components prior to use is the cause of nearly 75% of all heater failure in Colorado each winter. However, the accumulation of debris is often only visible on the inside of your heater.
If your heater has a gas burner it is important to check the burners for any debris and clean the component before the heat is switched on for the winter season. Not only will this increase efficiency, and this straightforward inspection can prevent serious heating problems, such as fires or a no heat situation.
Other areas on the inside of your heater can similarly accumulate dust and other debris. It can improve efficiency and the lifespan of your heater to keep the entire unit clean and clear of these small obstructions. However, it is important to select the right material for cleaning your heater, paper towels and similar products can rip or tear, which may lead to a bigger heating problem. For questions on what to use cleaning the interior of your heater, call a heating professional.
Check Components Outside Your Heater
The effectiveness of your heater relies on more than just the interior of this equipment, ventilation systems, returns, and air ducts ensure the hot air is transferred throughout your home. In preparation for a Denver winter, it is necessary to remove any objects that obstruct this air from reaching every room in your home. Check your air registers and returns for any obstructions.
All heaters push heated air through vents. These components are important for preventing dirt and dust from circulating in your household. When a heater isn’t in use these vents become havens for debris and are another part of your heating system that needs specific and careful attention before winter.
Lastly, before using your heater in any capacity it is essential to check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector. It is possible that a defective heater will release carbon monoxide into your home. In high levels, carbon monoxide has detrimental health effects on the human body, which include a headache, dizziness, and nausea. In high doses, carbon monoxide can even cause death. This makes checking your carbon monoxide detector an essential step in your winter preparation.
Hire a Professional
The best way to complete an inspection of your entire heating system is by hiring a heating and air conditioning professional. The team at Go Green in Denver is prepared to provide a thorough inspection of your heating system and provide any necessary maintenance. Call us today at 303-731-4417 for your winter-ready inspection.