With Thanksgiving behind us, many families are still reeling from turkey time and visits from family, but the holiday season still is far from over. With Christmas ahead and the coldest winter days still on the way, many homeowners still have more family get-togethers to look forward to.
Your home’s heating is going to be working its hardest over the Christmas season to keep your family warm, and what you do now can help guarantee that it is ready. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare.
Inspect the Ductwork
Proper airflow is key to keeping your home warm and your furnace operating its best. If you suspect a clog or a leak may be present, it is important to get it looked at by a professional quickly. A clog or leak may put a lot of extra stress on your system while making it harder for it to keep your home warm.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can go a long way to reducing your energy bills and wear and tear on your system. By setting your thermostat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature when your home is occupied and turning it down when you aren’t, you can prevent wasted energy and reduce the load on your furnace.
If you and anyone else in your home have a regular schedule, chances are you won’t even notice the difference, but your energy bill definitely will. Taking advantage of the programmable setting on a thermostat may be able to save you a lot of money over the cold months ahead.
Check Your Air Filters
Air filters are often overlooked, but these are crucial parts of any central heating system. Air filters remove particles and debris from the air that will otherwise build up in the furnace as well as damage your air quality.
When your filters aren’t replaced regularly, they will become packed with debris forcing your heating system to work much harder to pull air through. Make sure your furnace is working its best by changing your old filter out.
Turn the Heat Down Before Getting Together
If you have family over for Christmas, there is going to be a lot more body heat, and chances are that extra cooking will be happening as well. This means a lot more heat will be generated, and you can knock a few degrees off your thermostat. This will keep you and your guests from getting too hot and save you a little energy and wear and tear on your furnace.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas season can place a lot of stress on your home’s heating system, but by preparing for the cold winter months ahead, you can help guarantee it is ready for the challenge. Following the tips above and ensuring your furnace is up to date with its regular maintenance and tune-up can help ensure no furnace emergencies spoil your holiday season.
Contact Us
If your furnace is ready for a regular tune-up or maintenance, trust it with the professionals at J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our heating and plumbing professionals have more than thirty years of experience helping homeowners to keep their heating systems working their best. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
