Winter is on its way! This is probably a good time for some HVAC and water heater winter maintenance tips.
If you want to maintain the value of your home, and also minimize the potential for costly emergency repair calls (not to mention freezing while you wait for the repairman!) it is crucial to take steps to ensure your electrical and mechanical components of the HVAC and water heater will work properly throughout the winter months.
#1. Check the heating system. Since the heating unit has probably not been used much since last year, it is a great idea to have a professional HVAC technician check it out before putting it back to work full time. A checkup usually means burners are checked for efficiency, changing out air filters and a thorough going over of all the system.
#2. Service Hot Water Heater. While your technician is there, have them check the hot water heater. Sediment builds up in the bottom of the tank and it is a good idea to drain and flush the tank once or twice a year. Your tank will last longer and the chances of a burst of brown hot water into your laundry are much minimized!
#3. Check Your Water Heater’s Pressure Valve. Water heaters have a safety device that releases pressure if it gets too high inside the tank. Since this valve is not used unless you have this problem, it can develop slow leaks or possibly not work at all.
#4. Maintain Your Tankless Water Heater. Tankless heaters are becoming more common even though are they are more expensive initially due to size, energy efficiency and low operating costs. If a tankless heater is flushed regularly (once or twice a year) than they can last up to twenty years! Either buy the kit and do it yourself or have us do it when we come out.
Be careful around your appliances, and systems. There is high voltage, potential for burns, gas and other issues that might be best handled by someone with 40 years of experience (like us!). Please always read the warnings and instructions accompanying your heating source.
If you need help with any of these HVAC and water heater winter maintenance tips, including just to ask questions, call us at 505.250.2329.