Home Heating Winter Checklist
With winter around the corner, it is always a good idea to run through a checklist to ensure your heating oil or propane heating system is ready for colder weather. One of the last things that you want to happen to you in the middle of winter is for your heating system to run out of fuel or malfunction. Not only is it inconvenient, but getting an expedited delivery or repair can be very challenging during the winter months. For this reason, we recommend developing a checklist to ensure that your heating system is ready for the winter season.
Here are some things that you need to keep in mind when you are developing your home heating winter checklist.
Have The Heating System Serviced
With all heating systems, parts are expected to fail over time. From burners to heat exchangers to tubing to a variety of other components it’s important to remember that parts can wear down, elements can become clogged, and debris can accumulate. The stress of winter heating can serve as the last straw that then leads to components failing as the system works harder to maintain a warm internal temperature. A good way to circumvent this risk is by having a tune-up prior to the coldest days of the year. You will be able to catch small problems before they turn into big ones and help ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Order Your Fuel
During the weeks leading up to winter, it is a great idea to place an order for heating oil or propane at your home. The idea behind doing this is not just to be prepared, it can also save you money down the road. Historically, demand for fuel increases during winter which can negatively impact pricing. By ordering early, you can often secure your fuel at a more advantageous rate. A full fuel tank will also provide peace of mind when the coldest winter months arrive.
Create a Schedule to Monitor Your Usage
It is important to make a regular schedule for checking your tank levels as the weather trends colder. Whether you use propane or heating oil at your home you should be able to record accurate readings from your tank’s gauge. This will help inform you when you’ll next need delivery and help you prevent the risk of runout. Further, understanding your fuel consumption can help with budgeting for future fuel expenses and help you avoid extra fees for emergency deliveries.
Ensure Your Home Is Energy Efficient
When it comes to ensuring that your energy costs are minimized, it is not just about the heating system. The building being heated also matters. This is because no matter how energy efficient your heating system is, a home that does not have the right thermal insulation will still lose lots of heat and drive up the cost of your heating. For this reason, you should ensure that any cracks or gaps in your window frames are properly sealed to help your home retain heat. The other thing to be on the lookout for is cold spots in your home or drafts that may indicate there is a bigger insulation problem at play. In some instances at-home fixes are available.
Everyone’s home heating situation is a little bit different, but the four items above should help you tailor a home heating winter checklist that makes sense for you. As always, Aero Energy is here to serve as your trusted partner in home heating and cooling. If you have any questions about scheduling an HVAC tune-up or placing your next delivery you can contact us via phone at 1-800-998-4311. Looking to connect online? Fill out a contact form or live chat directly from our website.