Fall Home Heating Tips

As the leaves start falling off trees and temperatures begin to dip, keeping your home prepared for the chilly months ahead will help you stay warm and avoid high energy bills. As a top provider of heating services in the Salt Lake City area, Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air is here to offer some valuable fall home heating tips.

Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule heating services that will keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.

Schedule Your Annual Heating Maintenance Appointment

Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, your heating system requires regular maintenance in order to maintain its performance and prevent issues from occurring. During a heating maintenance appointment, a trained technician will thoroughly inspect, clean, and fine-tune your system.

Maintenance appointments typically include the following services:

• Inspection: The technician will examine all components of your heating system and check for signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or any potential safety hazards
• Cleaning: Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate inside your heating system. These contaminants can hinder the system's efficiency and airflow. During maintenance, the technician will clean these components.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial in helping your system's moving parts perform as intended. Your HVAC technician will ensure that all bearings, motors, and other components that require lubrication are properly oiled.
• Filter Replacement: Dirty and clogged filters can reduce airflow, making your heating system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. During maintenance, the technician will replace or clean filters as needed.
• Testing: To ensure your heating system is operating at its best, the technician will run a series of tests. These tests include checking thermostat accuracy, verifying the ignition system's performance, and examining the safety controls.

Reach out to Friendly today to learn more about heating maintenance in Salt Lake City.

Seal Gaps and Leaks Around Your Home

Do you feel drafts around certain areas of the home? Any gaps around your doors or windows can allow cold, dry to enter your home. Not only does this cause discomfort, but it will also cause your heating system to work harder in order to maintain or raise your home’s temperature.

Sealing off any gaps or leaks that may be present is a cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Whether it's a tiny crack in the window frame or a worn-out weatherstrip on your door, addressing these issues can have a significant impact on your overall comfort and energy bills.

Avoid Blocking Vents

Your vents allow heated air to easily flow from the heating system to the rooms throughout your home. Furniture, blankets, or any other objects placed in front of or on top of the vents can disrupt warm air from being evenly distributed in the home. When vents are blocked, warm air can't circulate as effectively, leading to uneven heating and potential strain on your heating system.

Before turning on your heating system, be sure that all vents are free from any obstructions that could otherwise prevent proper heating. Be sure to perform regular vent checks to ensure they remain free from blockages over time. 

Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise. This creates a cool breeze that helps lower the perceived temperature in a room, making it feel more comfortable. In the winter, the ceiling fan should be reversed to move clockwise.

This helps warm air to circulate more effectively, helping your rooms feel warmer. The clockwise movement gently pushes the warm air near the ceiling downward, evenly distributing it throughout the room. This can reduce your reliance on heating systems and help you save on energy costs during the colder months.

Set Your Thermostat as Low as Possible

For maximum efficiency, set your thermostat as low as your comfort levels allow for. The lower the temperature is set, the less frequently your heating system will need to run in order to meet the set temperature.

This is a great way to minimize energy consumption and costs. Additionally, your heating system will experience reduced stress, as it won't have to work as hard to maintain a lower temperature.

Open Curtains and Blinds

Sunlight naturally brings heat, so be sure to embrace it by keeping your blinds and curtains open during the daytime. This is a simple and eco-friendly practice that can have a significant impact on your home's warmth and overall energy efficiency.

When the sun sets, be sure to close your blinds and curtains again in order to trap the heat you've collected during the day. This will help to insulate your home and prevent heat from escaping through the windows.

Contact Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air for Heating Services This Fall

Whether you need to schedule your annual heating system tune-up or you are running into issues that require repairs, Friendly Plumber, Heating and Air can help. Our heating professionals will help your home stay warm this winter. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Salt Lake City, UT.