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Winter is coming – or is almost here – and we can’t let you shiver from frostbite due to minus temperatures of the season!
You realize, the morning breeze is albeit a wee bit chilly for you to parade at home without your warm woolies, let alone consider taking a warm bath right after dawn strikes.
While your coffee is busy brewing on the stove, you decide to unload your blanket and comforter along with your warm winter clothes. But, will that be enough to battle the winter blues away?
We are guessing that you, too, in addition to 57% of the Canadian households use a modern furnace system instead of a boiler! How about checking your gas heater to make sure it is in full swing before the snow falls?
Mentioned below is a checklist that can help you make sure that your gas heater is ready to provide you with the utmost warmth and comfort during winter.
Switch the HVAC system on
Go towards your thermostat and switch the HVAC system so that it can generate heat to the temperatures you require.
Usually, it is ideal to set it at a couple of degrees higher than room temperature so that it can provide adequate warmth.
At times, you have to check the wire connections to make sure the furnace is plugged in or not. If the gas heater still doesn’t switch on after checking the power source, you can either call in an expert gasfitter or roll up your sleeves to check the rest of its parts yourself.
Change or wash the air filters
Each HVAC system contains either a single air filter that is changeable and washable or perhaps within ventilators or vent grills situated behind walls on ceilings.
In cases of an electrostatic filter, you might need to take it out and wash it as regular cleaning within a couple of months can prolong the life and improve the quality of permanent air filters.
Look for washable and reusable air filters when you search for gas heater parts on any search engine or reseller listing.
While setting up the air filters behind the vents in the ceiling, make sure you don’t forget to leave them uncovered for unobstructed passage of heat throughout the rooms. If the vents are blocked or covered, the heating furnace can overheat and lead to reduced efficiency of the furnace system.
Along with an air filter, most HVAC systems also comprise a humidifier filter that can give rise to a dewy odor in the rooms if not cleaned regularly.
Check your heat exchanger for Carbon Monoxide leaks
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria, it is necessary to have your gas heaters, especially if you’re using Vulcan or Pyrox Heritage gas heater, serviced once every two years by a licensed and trained gasfitter.
It is better to hire a licensed gasfitter to check your heat condenser as they can identify cracks in the system that might lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if left unchecked.
Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you wouldn’t know you’re inhaling the gas unless it reaches a certain level of toxicity in your body.
Pay close attention to the chimney of the furnace
Take a more in-depth look into the parts of your gas heater, and try to identify signs of discoloration or rust along with the heater panels.
Listen carefully for any ‘knocking’ or ‘banging’ sound generated by the gas heater, which might warrant a thorough and detailed servicing from a professional gasfitter.
Also, check for any soot stains or sooty flame along with the chimney so that you can clean the debris before it results in a fire hazard.
While you’re at it, consider checking the furnace burners thoroughly as they can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris due to lack of usage during the summer.
Analyze closely for misalignment so that you can call in a professional and get the furnace checked as soon as possible.
Oil the Furnace Blowers
To ensure that your gas heater works with immense efficiency and efficacy during the winter, consider checking and oiling the furnace blowers before winter arrives.
For optimal performance of the heating system, consider oiling the furnace blowers every year so that it can work smoothly and make no knocking sounds or noises when functional.
Have a Set-back Thermostat Installed
At times, the thermostat might report a fault and work without generating the required heat at the set temperature. For this purpose, it is ideal for monitoring your thermostat closely so that you can either have it checked and updated by a professional or changed.
Consider searching the market for ‘set-back thermostats’ as they offer you to set the temperature as per your comfort manually. Also, unlike other thermostats, you can save on utility bills and conserve energy by switching off the set-back thermostat while you’re away or asleep.
To check your gas heater, it is ideal for making sure you hire a gasfitter and let them handle the furnace-like a pro. However, if you can’t wait longer for an appointment, it wouldn’t hurt to take care of the little heating agenda to gear yourself for the season.
