Summer Heating System Care: 4 Things You Can Do

Keeping your furnace or boiler happy and healthy is probably not the first thing on your mind in July, but with things as unpredictable as they are right now, it’s probably a good idea to stay one step ahead of any potential problem.

HVAC Summer Care Checklist

Here are four things you can do this summer to make sure your furnace will be ready for action when temperatures start dropping again in New Jersey and Staten Island.

• Change or clean your air filter – Checking your HVAC air filters is something you should year-round, including during the summer (especially if your furnace and air conditioner share a filter). If your filters are washable, clean them; if they are disposable, replace them. A clogged air filter will disturb airflow, causing your equipment to overwork to do the same job. The result? Higher energy bills and a greater likelihood of heating repairs – not to mention poorer indoor air quality.
• Test your thermostat – A malfunctioning or inaccurate thermostat can cost you money and comfort, so it’s a good idea to check it every year (if you have a zoned heating system that includes multiple thermostats, test each one separately). If the thermostat controlling your heating system isn’t working correctly, it’s better to solve the problem now than in the fall or winter.
• Check and clean your condenser – Early summer is a good time to give your outdoor condenser some love, too. Check the lines leading to and from the unit for damage; if you find problems, contact us for service. Then give your condenser a good cleaning – just be sure to turn off power at the breaker before you begin. Remove leaves, branches, and other large debris that may have accumulated during the offseason, then clean the condenser with mild detergent and water. If you notice any significant damage to the condenser (bent condenser “fins” are common), contact us for a repair.
• Order heating oil – As we mentioned in a previous blog, keeping your oil storage tank full could help you avoid costly heating repair costs. When your oil storage tank is low on fuel, it pulls moisture from the trapped air inside the tank, forming condensation on the tank’s walls. A damp tank is a breeding ground for microorganisms that create line-clogging sludge and will corrode the tank over time. In a full oil tank, there’s less room for condensation to form: this improves your tank’s overall lifespan and could save you from hundreds of dollars in heating system repairs.

When it comes to keeping your heating system running at its best, preventive maintenance is key…stay on top of routine heating service, even during the warm weather months! If you need professional heating service in NJ or SI, trust the pros at Rucci. Contact us today to learn more!