Wintertime Heater Maintenance Guide

Prepare your HVAC system for winter-time heating with this maintenance guide. Find out how the latest heating and cooling products can update your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and reduce the risk of a sudden breakdown. At Max Warehouse, we’re confident we have the products you need to upgrade and maintain your heater and air conditioner for year-round convenience. 

Maintenance Tips

Never attempt to perform a maintenance step without carefully reviewing the steps involved and, if necessary, working with a professional HVAC technician for safe and efficient installation. Installing a programmable thermostat, replacing your heater and other major steps require professional assistance, but you can take on air filter replacement and other convenient steps on your own.

Replace Your Air Filter

When was the last time you checked your air filter? Your heater uses a filter to prevent dust, dander and other debris from entering your home. It’s recommended that you replace your HVAC filter every three months or more often if you have multiple pets or other situations that cause excessive dust, hair and dander in your home. Look for a HEPA filter that matches the dimensions of your existing filter for easy replacement.

Test the Igniter

This step typically requires a professional. If your heater is starting up but not igniting, you may need to reset your igniter. Most furnaces use an electronic ignition system. Resetting it involves removing the exterior panel and pressing the reset button. If this doesn’t work, you may have faulty wiring or a damaged ignition. Work with a local HVAC technician to safely replace this component.

Clean the Blower Motor

Some motors are sealed and don’t recommend cleaning or lubrication, but most suggest this on a set maintenance schedule. Review your owner’s manual for more information about your particular blower motor. When it’s time to clean it, turn the power off and carefully open the cover. Place the lubricant on the bearings and clean any dust or debris around the motor.

Cover Your Air Conditioner

You won’t need your air conditioner in the winter months, so prepare it for safe long-term storage. Invest in an AC cover to prevent snow, ice and debris from building up around the outdoor condenser. Don’t completely cover it in a moisture-trapping cover, or it could suffer from moisture-related issues through the winter. An affordable cover can extend the lifetime of your AC and avoid costly maintenance issues.

HVAC Upgrades

Your heater may be running and your AC protected, but are you getting the most out of your HVAC system?  A few simple upgrades can make a difference this winter. Find out how you can purchase affordable items online that help you manage your heating system. Update your system to enjoy the following benefits:

• Improved convenience

• Reduced heating costs

• More consistent temperatures

• Greater peace of mind

A portable propane heater can create cozy temperatures in a chilly room, while added ductwork insulation can improve the heating efficiency throughout your home. Explore other products you can purchase at Max Warehouse to update your system.

Insulate the Ductwork

Any ductwork that runs in your basement or crawlspace may be losing heat. If you find that your exposed ductwork is giving off too much heat in these areas or if the ducting runs through an unheated part of your home, duct insulation is an essential upgrade.

This product wraps your ductwork to avoid heat escaping into areas that you don’t need heated. Duct insulation also doubles as pipe insulation, so pick up extra and wrap your water lines to reduce the risk of frozen pipes this winter. A trained HVAC professional can install duct wrap for you, but this product is reasonably easy to install on your own for an effective DIY project.

Update Your Thermostat

A modern, programmable thermostat puts you in control of your HVAC system. Don’t let your furnace continue to run at a high temperature while you’re away at work. Instead, program times when you’re home and away. This allows you to reduce the temperature while you’re away and dramatically reduce your energy bills.

Not sure when you’ll be headed home? Pick up a smart thermostat and connect it to your home’s WiFi for instant temperature adjustments. Dial-up the heat with your smartphone before you head home to be greeted by ideal indoor temperatures all day long. Smart thermostats may need a qualified HVAC technician to safely install, but they are easy to monitor and maintain on your own.

Add a Secondary Heater

Sometimes a central furnace doesn’t offer consistent heating throughout your home. This is likely caused by improper insulation or inefficient ductwork installation. Both of these solutions are costly to fix, so consider using a space heater to warm a single room or area for cozy winter evenings.

Turn a heater on next to your home office or in your living room for a fireside experience, without the fire. Modern space heaters are affordable, safe and efficient, you can boost the indoor temperatures in a single room while still enjoying low-cost heating.

Prepare for a Comfortable Winter With Max Warehouse

Settle down for a comfortable winter season with these maintenance tips and items from Max Warehouse. Don’t break the bank trying to keep your home warm, but turn to energy-efficient thermostat options, insulation and heating solutions at Max Warehouse.