Tips for getting your home ready for Winter!

As residents of Cleveland, we’re used to cold temperatures and large amounts of snowfall. However, as conditions in northern Canada begin to set up similar to last fall, Weather Forecasters and Meteorologists are predicting that colder air from the polar vortex will make its way down into the United States once again this year. With that threat just around the corner, below are a few tips that we suggest you consider in getting your home ready for winter.

Reduced to its most fundamental levels, a heating system has three component parts:

• The heating element; your furnace, boiler or heat pump
• The distribution system, your ducts or pipes
• The control system, namely, your thermostat

In order to ensure that your furnace is prepared and functioning for the winter season at its most optimal level, we suggest 8 simple tips:

1. Repair air filter as needed. Since it should be free of dirt and debris, replace every 2 to 3 months.
2. Inspect your chimney. Check for any obstructions, like birds' nests and soot buildup, which are fire hazards.
3. Check and clean your air ducts. Call a professional as they can handle both your air ducts and chimney.
4. Make sure your burners are free of debris, dust, and rust.
5. Oil your furnace blower, if needed. Should be oiled annually for optimal performance.
6. Make sure your thermostat is working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat will affect your heating system.
7. Double check all heating vents to make sure that they are completely open. Closed vents are useless since the heat can’t get out and if blocked, can be a serious fire hazard.
8. Have your furnace checked out every other year. Contact us to inspect your heating system.

Here, at Fred’s Home Services, we can help you get your furnace prepared and functioning for the winter season. We will perform a full inspection of your furnace to make sure that it is operating properly and ready for the first time you need to turn it on and have heat. Our technicians will also make sure that it is operating at peak efficiency so that you are not wasting gas. We can also determine if anything needs to be repaired or replaced and if there are any dangerous conditions that can potentially result in a house fire.

Fred's Home Services has been servicing the greater Cleveland area since 1982. For over 30 years we have strived to provide the home comfort services you rely on most. We are currently offering our pre-season furnace maintenance plans at a reduced rate of $70. Call our office now 216-481-4200 to schedule an inspection or you can visit our contact page and email a request for service. You can also see what we will inspect under the category of maintenance plans and then click on furnace inspection.