Two Residential Heating Sources And How To Prepare Them For Winter
As the leaves begin to change and the temperature drops lower each day, it is a sure sign that the cold season is swiftly approaching. This means you should start focusing on preparing the property for winter. One of the main things that you need to do is make sure that the heating source in your home is working correctly and ready to be used when needed. If there were no issues with it the previous season, there isn't much that you need to do. However, things can happen during months of disuse, so it's always best to check. This guide will walk you through various heating sources and what should be checked before use.
Wood Stove
A wood stove is a great choice for heat and is very common with rural properties. The wood stove can be either indoors or outdoors. Each type works in a similar way: The stove burns wood, pellets, or other materials in order to create heat for the house. The indoor type is connected to a chimney. The chimney needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you use it at the beginning of the cold season. It will have built-up creosote from the previous season. Use a chimney brush to clean out the chimney or hire a professional if you are unable to do it yourself.
Furnace
A furnace is another type of heating source for homes. They can be gas or electric. The type used is usually a personal preference or because it was the type in the house when the occupants moved in. Before you use the furnace, you should do routine maintenance on it. One of the first things that should be done is cleaning or replacing the air filter. Locate the air filter by using your owner's manual for the furnace. Remove the filter and clean it off with a slightly damp rag. Certain models may require new filters when they are dirty. Always check your model to make sure which type you need. Replacements can be purchased at home improvement stores. Another thing you should do is to check your thermostat to make sure it is working properly. If it isn't, the furnace won't turn on when it is supposed to.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC system, you should contact a local heating professional. They will determine if you need a repair or a replacement depending on how severe it is.
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