Winter Prep Checklist: How to Prepare your Heating System for the Cold

Whether your home has a freshly installed, high-efficiency furnace or an "old faithful" that just keeps chugging along another year, we all share similar anxieties surrounding the efficacy of our heating systems...Are there warning signs when a heater is not functioning properly/optimally? What about troubleshooting or a backup plan?

Hear directly from our experienced team of heating specialists about the proactive steps that homeowners can take to prevent issues BEFORE being left without heat, as well as tips for what to do when a system failure does occur.

1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

We had to lead with the most critical point here...Properly placed CO detectors save lives. When a heating system has improper ventilation or a malfunction, the carbon monoxide that is released is invisible and odorless, making it completely undetectable. CO detectors are an essential line of defense against the potential devastation that a leak can cause.

They should be installed: about 5 feet above the floor, with one on every level, including one within ten feet of each bedroom door and one within ten feet of the main unit. For those who already have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, we would encourage changing the batteries at least once annually, as well as swapping out the detectors themselves every ten years or so. Consult this guide for more information regarding carbon monoxide detector guidelines in Massachusetts.

2. Take the system for a Test-Run

Although us New Enlganders sometimes make a competition out of waiting to turn on our heat until the coldest temperatures hit, we can say from experience that this practice often leads to the dreaded 11:00 PM, sweater-clad emergency call.

Instead, we recommend that homeowners maintain a yearly practice of: first changing thermostat batteries, and then: turning the heat up to 70-75°F. Here in Massachusetts, the best time of year to perform this check is in September (early enough in the season to ensure that any necessary service work is performed before those nighttime lows intensify).

3. Schedule Annual Maintenance- by a Certified and Licensed Professional

Calling in a qualified technician to perform an annual maintenance service is the best way to prevent damage to your heating system and reduce the likelihood of future failures. A professional inspection can reveal leaks, rust, and other covert instigators. Flushing and descaling, as well as other cleaning procedures, can increase longevity, improve system productivity (minimizing utility expenses), and ensure that manufacturer warranty coverage is preserved.

If your home uses a specialty high-efficiency system, you'll want to be sure that the technician has familiarity with the specific nuances entailed by that brand/model. Here at J. Griffin Heating & Plumbing, we are proud to share that all of our lead technicians are certified as both Navien Service Specialists and Rinnai Pros, guaranteeing ultimate peace-of-mind for each and every customer.

4. Furnaces Only: Change Air Filter & Move Away Clutter

If your home uses a furnace to generate heat, there are a couple of additional tasks involved in keeping your system operating safely and effectively:

• Changing the air filter: Air filters should ideally be replaced as often as recommended by your HVAC technician. If you are unable to purchase new filters as regularly as advised due to budget or other constraints, cleaning the filter with a vacuum can help as a short-term, last-resort solution, though not ideal.

• Moving Away Clutter: The number one undercover threat to furnace safety and efficiency? Clutter. When airflow to the furnace is obstructed by furniture, objects, etc. not only does the system work at suboptimal levels, causing inflated energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear, it also increases the risk of a home fire. To ensure peak performance and safety, homeowners are advised to keep the area around the furnace free of all items. In most cases, a minimum clearance of 30 inches is suggested.

5. Watch Out for Warning Signs

Staying attentive to any unusual sounds or smells emanating from your heating system can help to intercept issues before they develop further. Other indicators of problems that may require professional attention include: rising utility expenses, diminished air quality, insufficient/inconsistent heating throughout the home, short cycling.

We advise customers to reach out to our team of heating specialists with any concerns they may have regarding their home comfort system.

6. Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes we find that even when homeowners make every effort to maintain their home heating setup, they may still encounter unexpected issues due to manufacturing defects, age of system, etc. In the event of these rare occurrences, it always helps to mitigate the initial panic by having a procedure ready to go. These emergency supplies and measures may include:

• Electric space heaters (use as directed and with caution)

• Fireplaces/woodstoves

• Layers (sweaters, sleeping bags, thermal clothing)

• Covering windows and doors with towels/blankets to stop drafts

• Staying in one well-insulated room

7. Keep the Heating Pros on Speed-Dial

When you are in need of immediate assistance, having a reliable, responsive heating company on hand can make all the difference. At J. Griffin Heating, Plumbing & Cooling, we understand that life happens, and that boilers/furnaces/other systems often break down at the most inconvenient times.

When you call J. Griffin, you know that you will be receiving Five Star Service from the moment you pick up the phone. We are here to help return your home to safety, warmth, and comfort, providing expert knowledge and friendly, efficient service.

(781) 520-1212