As autumn and winter settle in New Mexico, it’s time to prepare your home’s heating system for the chilly months ahead. Making sure your heater is in great shape before the first frost arrives is key to keeping your home cozy and comfortable all winter long. In this blog, we’ll share some cold weather maintenance tips for both your heater and water heater, and we’ll also chat about why it’s important to service your swamp cooler as the seasons shift.
The Importance of Early Heater Maintenance
Taking a little time to care for your heating system before winter rolls in can save you from a whole lot of headaches later on! Plus, it helps keep your home cozy and efficient. Let’s dive into why getting ahead with your heater maintenance is such a smart move:
- Increased Efficiency
Keeping up with regular maintenance tasks like changing filters, checking the system, and calibrating the thermostat is key to helping your heater work its best. When your heater runs efficiently, it not only saves you energy but also helps lower those heating bills while being kinder to the environment. - A Longer Lasting System
Heaters that get a little TLC with regular maintenance usually stick around for a longer time! By tackling those small issues before they turn into big headaches, you can sidestep expensive repairs down the road. - Consistent Comfort
Keeping you comfortable is what we’re all about! A deteriorating heater system could leave you with uneven and inconsistent heating throughout the home–which we especially want to avoid during autumn and winter.
Essential Heater Maintenance Tasks
Here are some key maintenance tasks you should complete this autumn to ensure your heater is ready for winter:
- Filter Changes
Swapping out your heater’s air filters is an easy but important job! When filters get dirty, they can block airflow, making your system work overtime and affecting how well it runs. Generally, you should plan on changing those filters every 1-3 months. - System Checks
Booking a professional system check is a fantastic way to keep your heater in top shape! An HVAC technician in Albuquerque can take a close look at your system to spot any potential issues, like worn parts or pesky leaks, and make any repairs needed to ensure your heater runs like a dream. - Ductwork Inspection
Take a moment to check your ductwork for any leaks or damage, as these spots can let heat escape and make your heating system work overtime. By sealing up any gaps you find, you’ll not only keep your home nice and cozy but also enjoy lower energy bills.
Don’t Forget About Your Swamp Cooler
Even while looking ahead to toastier times, it’s important not to forget the star of summer: your swamp cooler. Properly shutting it down will make sure it’s in top shape for the next season.
A swamp cooler shutdown includes draining the water, disconnecting the power, and covering the unit to protect it from the elements. This is also the perfect time for swamp cooler repair and maintenance.
Signs That Your Water Heater Is Failing
Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s a great time to take a closer look at your water heater along with your heater and swamp cooler. Keeping an eye on its condition can help you avoid surprises! Here are a few signs that might indicate your water heater needs some TLC.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature
If you notice that the water temperature fluctuates or gets stuck at lukewarm, your water heater element could be malfunctioning. - Discolored Water
Seeing rusty or discolored water come out of the tap is an unpleasant surprise–but it could also be a valuable warning sign. This is often caused by internal corrosion in your water heater tank. This issue typically requires professional attention and could mean that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. - Strange Noises
Are unexplained noises coming from your heater? These can be caused by sediment buildup. If left untreated, this can lead to even more damage within the tank, so it’s best to get this looked at right away. - Water Leaks
If you notice any leaks around your water heater, it might be a sign of cracks in the tank or worn-out seals. Taking care of these leaks quickly can help you avoid water damage and save you from needing repairs on your hot water heater later on. - Aging Water Heater
Water heaters usually have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years. If yours is getting close to that age, it might be a good idea to think about replacing it soon, so you won’t be caught off guard when it finally gives out.
How to Flush Your Hot Water Heater
This is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners. Here’s a quick and easy guide to how to flush your hot water heater!
- Turn Off the Power or Gas
The essential beginning step! For your safety, turn off the power to your electric water heater or the gas supply to your gas water heater. - Attach a Hose to the Drain Valve
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of your water heater. Make sure to place the other end of the hose in a safe spot where the water can flow freely without any hassle. - Drain the Tank
Go ahead and open the drain valve and let the water flow out, but be sure to watch out for any hot water splashes! This step helps to clear out any sediment buildup that may have settled in the tank. - Refill the Tank
Once you’ve finished draining, simply close the drain valve, detach the hose, and turn the water supply back on. When the tank is all filled up, go ahead and restore the power or gas to your unit!
Cool Weather HVAC Services in Albuquerque
As fall rolls in with its cooler temperatures, it’s a good idea to get your home’s heating system, swamp cooler, and water heater ready for the chilly months ahead. With a few simple maintenance tips, you can keep your home cozy and warm while steering clear of any unexpected expenses. If you find yourself in need of heating repair, swamp cooler installation, or hot water heater repair, don’t hesitate to reach out–we’re ready to give your systems the expert attention they deserve!