Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter?

Written on: July 14, 2021

While summer seems like a good time to take a break from heating system care, it’s actually an ideal time to show the furnace or boiler in your Western New York home some love. You want to be ready for the first cold snap, and as we know, it’s anybody’s guess as to exactly when that will be.

Take a look at these tips for caring for your heating system in the summer so you’re ready for the winter.

Set up your tune-up now. Summer is an excellent time to schedule a tune-up. You have more possible appointment times to choose from, and you don’t run the risk of cancelation if someone else has a no-heat emergency. Summer tune-ups also leave you with time in case you need a major repair or even an upgrade. And if you don’t need any repairs, or the service is minor, your tune-up will not “wear off,” so you’ll still be in great shape.
Have any soot and scale removed. When soot and scale collect in your furnace or boiler, you could find yourself with buildup, reduced efficiency, a fire hazard and even a carbon monoxide issue. It’s important to have both soot and scale removed before any of these problems arise. It could make a real difference in the lifespan of your system as well as your safety and the safety of your family. Please contact us to schedule a soot-and-scale removal appointment.
Replace or clean your air filter. Whether your system requires a replacement air filter or you have an air filter that you clean, it’s important to keep up with your routine. Most systems note that air filters should be cleaned or changed quarterly, but if you have pets or anyone in your home has allergies or sensitivity to air quality, we recommend that you check your air filter every six to eight weeks and consider cleaning or changing it at that frequency.
Have your tank filled up. You may not be heating your home right now, but we recommend filling up your tank while it’s still off peak. Demand is lower, so you’ll get a better price, and keeping a full tank will reduce the chances that your tank will corrode. Condensation in an empty—or partially empty—tank will cause damage and can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. All you need to do is fill up with oil and you’ll rid yourself of any of these stressful possibilities.

Request service or sign up for automatic heating oil delivery with Hometowne Energy today! Contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about how we can serve your home comfort needs.