Using Your Heater for the First Time of the Season
We woke up this morning and had to wear a sweater for the first time this season! In the past few days it has finally gotten cold enough here in Southwest Florida to force most of us to turn on our heater for the first time in many months. And if you turned it on recently, you may have noticed some interesting things going on, which may have caused alarm. Now is the time to check to see if your system is working properly, because for the next three months, you may want it on in the mornings or evenings. We’ll tell you the easy things to look for using just your senses:
What to do when using Your Heater for the First time of the Season:
- What’s that smell? Chances are good that the build up of dust in your system will smell like something is burning. In fact, we recommend that you open your windows for the first few minutes after turning on your heater for the first time, just to let that burning dust smell get out of the house. But that smell should subside in a few minutes and if it doesn’t’—that’s a problem. It’s a sign you should call us because the system needs a tune-up.
- What’s that weird vibration? Is there excessive vibration in the walls or ducts? Unfortunately, that’s a sign of trouble. There may be something clogging your ducts or perhaps there’s a split in the area where the ducts are fastened together. Give us a call to do a maintenance check if this is going on.
- Do you feel a little funny after it’s been on for a while? If you feel tired or have consistent headaches after turning on your heat for the first time, then contact a professional to check the monoxide levels, or check your carbon monoxide detector readings. If your carbon monoxide detector readings are above 30, turn the system off immediately and call us for service.
- You turned on the heat, but when you check the vents, the air coming out of them is not even warm. This can be caused by any number of issues, but one thing’s for sure, you should have a professional look at it to see what’s going on.
When using your heater for the first time of the season, it’s important to remember that several factors can lead to uneven or cold air. Clogged filters, blocked vents, or issues with the heating element can all contribute to this problem. Taking the time to inspect your filters and make sure that the vents are free of obstructions can sometimes solve the issue. However, if these steps don’t make a difference, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician diagnose and address the root cause. Ignoring this type of problem can result in higher energy bills, as the system will work harder to reach the desired temperature without effectively warming your space.
Routine maintenance checks and professional tune-ups are invaluable when using your heater at the beginning of the season. Not only do they help identify potential problems early on, but they can also improve the overall efficiency of your system, extending its lifespan. If your heating system hasn’t had a professional inspection in the last year, now is the perfect time to schedule a visit. A thorough inspection will check for any leaks, issues with the blower motor, and the condition of the heat exchanger. These components play a crucial role in maintaining a warm and safe environment in your home during the colder months in Southwest Florida.
Why Using Your Heater Early in the Season is Important
Using your heater early in the season helps ensure your system is functioning properly before the temperatures drop further. This proactive approach allows homeowners to identify any potential issues without the stress of needing urgent repairs on a cold morning or night. Additionally, it’s a good time to test your thermostat settings and recalibrate them if necessary. If your home still isn’t heating efficiently after testing, a professional can review your insulation and airflow to recommend upgrades that may help maintain warmth more effectively and reduce energy consumption.
Proper use and maintenance of your heater are key to a comfortable winter in Southwest Florida. Remember, your HVAC system is not just a source of heat but also an investment in your home’s overall comfort and safety. Regular check-ups and using your heater strategically can help ensure that it operates smoothly whenever you need it, keeping your home cozy and your family protected.
By having a maintenance contract with us, you can ensure that your air conditioner and heating systems are running at top efficiency all year round! That’s because proper maintenance helps ensure that your heating system starts up without any problems, and works efficiently when you need it throughout the winter here in SWFL. Give us a call at Wayne Martin and Son 239-462-4068. #airconditioning #SWFLHVAC