Before You Turn on Your Heater

Our summer heat has finally left us, and while fall has been pleasantly warm, the cold weather is just around the corner. Soon your home will grow cold, and blankets, sweaters, and slippers will all make an appearance. Before you start using the heater, though, it’s important to have your systems checked. Your home’s heating system has been resting, unused for months. Here’s why you need to have it checked.

The first, and most important reason, is for your safety. According to the National Fire Prevention Association’s website, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Why is this? Your heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from one substance to another, allowing heat to move throughout the home. While not in every home, heat exchangers are in a variety of heating systems, and found in many homes. When debris builds up, or if your system is allowed to cool to too low of a temperature, it can crack. This can lead to house fires, and there may not be any noticeable warning signs other than having it inspected by a professional. The other common danger with unchecked heat exchangers, is they provide an opportunity for carbon monoxide links. We all know of this silent killer, but did you know that in the United States, it is responsible for approximately 430 deaths per year? It’s not worth taking a chance.

The next reason you need to have your heating system checked is to keep your energy usage and bill down. According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for approximately 56 percent of American homes’ energy usage. A heating system which hasn’t been checked in months may not be operating efficiently. Or you may have an outdated heating system in your home. Either way, these will cost you more money to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

We recommend having your heating checked each fall, so that when winter comes, you can maintain a desirable temperature, with confidence that your family is safe and your system is efficient. Don’t know who to call? We can help! To find a professional we recommend to inspect, and if necessary repair or replace your home’s heating system, visit us online atresponsiblecontractors.com. Or contact us and we can give you a direct referral!