7 Things to Do Before Turning on the Heat

Your warm-weather clothes are hanging in the closet, and the air conditioner is hibernating until next summer. As the days get shorter and the nights become colder, one of the last things to do is turn on your Massachusetts home’sheating system for the season. But did you know there are a few steps you can take before activating your furnace or boiler that will improve your home comfort? Proactively maintaining your heating system prevents malfunctions and costly repairs later in the season. Follow this home heating advice from the experts at PayLessforOil.com before turning on the heat to ensure a safely snug winter this year without any unwanted emergency heating costs.

1. Schedule an Annual Maintenance Check-Up

No matter what kind of heating system your family uses—furnace, boiler, or heat pump—it’s always best to get your equipment checked annually by a licensed HVAC technician. Getting this annual maintenance performed before you turn on the heat for the winter will help make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump will work properly and efficiently. It also helps catch any potential problems while they are still easy and affordable to fix.

2. Check Heater and Vent Space

Make sure the vents and heating equipment in your home are not blocked or covered. Often people obstruct their heating system by moving furniture atop vents, which prevents a maximum flow of heat and encourages a costly utility bill. Move that furniture away from your ductwork venting or radiators to take full advantage of all the forced hot air or radiant heat in your Massachusetts home.

3. Check Windows for Cracks

Cracks in your window or its seal make an easy exit for hot air. Even the smallest gap can let warmth out, forcing your furnace, boiler, or heat pump to work overtime and burning extra fuel in the process. Fixing any leaks in windows or doors in your home will result in a more consistent indoor temperature as well as more affordable heating bills.

4. Check Furnace for Cracks or Leaks

Instead of venting poisonous gasses outside, cracked equipment could allow toxins to get into the air that you and your family are breathing. Visually checking for cracks or loose joints is a start, but more often than not, these cracks cannot be seen without taking the entire furnace apart (something we recommend you have only a professional do!)

Related Blog: Preparing Your Oil Tank for Fall & Winter

5. Check Heating Ductwork for Leaks or Blockages

A leaky or faulty duct will cause you to lose heat before it ever reaches where you want it to. Don’t let it leak out through the sides of your ductwork, or worse, get blocked by dust and debris buildup inside your ductwork. Make sure all of your ducts and connections are secure and clean.

6. Check Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, lethal gas that can find its way inside your home without any warning signs. Check and change the batteries in your home’s carbon monoxide alarms before testing if it works. Turn on and test your carbon monoxide alarm to make sure it’s working properly so you’ll be able to detect any dangerous fumes that may be emitted by your home’s heating system if it stops working properly.

7. Test Your Home’s Thermostat

If temperatures are low enough, turn the thermostat to heat mode and make sure the system starts up properly. If it doesn’t, you’ll have some time to schedule and budget for a home heating system repair before the local Massachusetts weather gets dangerously cold.

Need Assistance with Your Home Comfort?

Contact our expert team for assistance with your furnace, boiler, or fuel oil storage tank! We’re your local experts, dedicated to providing your home and family with safety and warmth during the brutal winters that our state endures. If you have any questions about home heating or affordable fuel oil delivery in our area, get in touch with our team of Massachusetts energy experts today!