While winters in Los Angeles hardly ever bring snow, temperatures can dip into the 40s. In order to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long, it’s important to take great care of your heater or furnace. A well-functioning furnace will keep your indoor air temperature at comfortable levels even as the weather gets colder outside.
To help you and your family enjoy the winter weather, the heater repair experts in Los Angeles at Global Green Solutions are here to help! Here are 10 proven tips to get your heater ready for the winter and ensure it is optimally working all season long.
1. Turn On Your Thermostat
The simplest way to prepare your heater for colder weather is to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating. By setting the temperature a couple of degrees higher than the current temperatures in your room, you’ll know if your furnace is working properly. If you don’t hear your heat kick on within a minute or two of dialing your thermostat up, take the cover off and ensure all the wire connections are snug and secure. If all seems right, make sure that the power source to your HVAC system is on. If you still don’t feel any heat, check your blower, heat pump, or furnace fan. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this or you think something is wrong, call a professional HVAC repair team before the temperatures drop.
2. Change Your Air Filters
Do you have air filters behind a vent grill in your ceiling or wall or do you have a single filter within the system itself? If so, it’s essential to be swapping out the old filters with clean ones every few months. If you have a permanent electrostatic filter, be sure to thoroughly wash it. Replacing the air duct or cleaning your HVAC air filters will keep dirty air particles out of your heater, which will vastly prolong the life of your system. While you’re at it, you should also change the humidifier filter and set your humidistat, if you have one.
3. Check Your System for Leaks
A leaky HVAC system is also an inefficient one. Systems that are over 10 years old can develop leaks from normal wear and tear. If your HVAC system is older, it’s crucial to check it for leaks before the chilly winter weather sets in. One way to easily check for a leak in your system is drafting around your windows or doors. Other red flags include:
- Hissing sounds
- Higher electric bills
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Water leaks
- Long cooling cycles
If you think your HVAC system has a leak, call a furnace repair company, such as Global Green Solutions, right away.
4. Clean your Heat Exchanger
Well before the winter, be sure to have a trained HVAC technician thoroughly brush and vacuum out your heat exchanger while your unit is disabled. When the technician is cleaning it, they’ll also inspect it for cracks. If your heat exchanger is cracked, it can release dangerous carbon monoxide into your home and put your safety at risk.
5. Clean and Check the Condenser Coil
Your HVAC system’s condenser coils are an important component of your air conditioning unit. These coils release heat into your home to keep it at a comfortable temperature. If the coils are worn out or damaged, your HVAC system will not work efficiently. Have a furnace installation professional check your coils for dirt, debris, and faults. If the coils are dirty or damaged, the technician will promptly fix them.
6. Thoroughly Clean Your Vents
Be sure to clean out your vents. Due to the moist conditions and warm weather of Los Angeles summers, things such as dust, pet dander, mold, and summer pollen can build up in your HVAC vents. It’s critical to deep clean your vents to ensure good indoor air quality. You can easily vacuum the vents to rid them of foreign particles.
7. Clean and Lubricate Your Blower Motor
Before you attempt to do this, always check your owner’s manual to see if it needs to be lubricated. If it does, turn it off, open the cover, and clean out the caps that cover the bearings. Afterward, remove the caps and lubricate the bearings.
8. Ensure Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Working
It’s critical to regularly test and inspect your carbon monoxide detectors to protect your home from this silent killer. Do this throughout the year and all winter long.
9. Check Your Tank Levels
If your Los Angeles home has an oil-powered furnace, you need to replace the filter and nozzle. You should also check the tank levels. This will keep your system functioning efficiently all winter long.
10. Call a Heater Installation Expert
If your heater needs to be repaired or replaced, call a heater repair expert before the winter weather strikes. Knowing that your heater or furnace is in tip-top shape will give you the peace of mind you deserve.
We’ll Get Your Heater Ready for the Winter
To get your heater or furnace winter-ready, contact Global Green Solutions today. We offer a wide range of services, including heating repair, furnace installation, duct replacement, and more.
To learn about our services or to get a free quote, call us today at (888) 860-4826. Global Green Solutions is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company that proudly serves Los Angeles County. We want to help you stay comfy and cozy all winter long. Call us now!