Connecticut winters routinely push below zero. A heating system that is marginal in October becomes a liability in January. The fix is simple: a fall checkup before the first hard freeze.
Start with the filter. A clogged air filter on a forced-air system makes the blower work harder and cuts efficiency by 15 to 20 percent. Replace it every 90 days during heating season.
Bleed your radiators. If you have a hot-water baseboard or radiator system, trapped air creates cold spots and makes the boiler run longer to compensate. Bleeding is a five-minute job with a radiator key.
Test the thermostat. Switch it to heat and set it five degrees above room temperature. The system should kick on within a minute. If it doesn't, the thermostat or the igniter may need attention.
Check the flue and venting. Birds and small animals sometimes nest in flue pipes over the summer. A blocked flue is a carbon monoxide risk. Look for obstructions or call us to do a proper inspection.
Schedule a professional tune-up. A technician will check burner efficiency, test safety controls, inspect heat exchangers for cracks, and clean the combustion chamber. This is the step that catches problems before they become emergencies.
W.B. Dickenson offers fall maintenance visits throughout Hartford and Tolland counties. Book before October and we can usually get you scheduled within a week.
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W.B. Dickenson handles plumbing, heating, and remodeling throughout Hartford County and Tolland County.