How to Maintain Your Heater or Radiator Before Winter

Fall furnace tune-ups and radiator maintenance are a fact of life for denizens of the northern states. Taking preventive action with the help of an HVAC technician is far preferable to dealing with a broken heating system in subzero weather. Plus, scheduling that annual service visit will save you money in the long run, since regular maintenance can prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Schedule a furnace maintenance visit.

Your furnace should be inspected and serviced by an HVAC technician before it’s turned on for the winter. The technician will perform many tasks to ensure that your heating system functions well, is safe for use, and will last as long as possible. These tasks include: Inspecting the flue pipe for holes that could leak carbon monoxide, replacing the oil filter to prevent total system failure, changing the air filter to improve the home’s air quality, and cleaning the combustion chamber to prevent corrosion.

Clean the floor vents.

One fall maintenance task that homeowners frequently overlook is to clean the floor vents. The ductwork can easily become clogged with dust, pet fur, and random debris. Remove the floor registers and thoroughly vacuum the ductwork. You’ll find that the air quality in your home improves, and your heating system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.

Bleed your radiators.

Hot water radiators are a popular method of keeping northern homes toasty in the winter, but they do require some maintenance now and then. If your radiators are stubbornly remaining cold, they probably have trapped air inside. You’ll need to bleed your radiators, or have an HVAC technician do it for you. First, the thermostat should be turned down. Then, place a small bucket nearby for drips. Use a vent key or a flathead screwdriver to open the air vent, which is near the top of the radiator. The air will sputter out. Once water flows out instead, you can close the air vent.

From heating and cooling installations to servicing and repairs, Northland Heating, Cooling and Plumbing does it all. Residents near Hermantown, MN can contact this reputable HVAC company at (218) 729-6505 to schedule a prompt appointment.

Northland Heating and Cooling is a locally owned and operated company doing business in the twin ports.

We are dedicated to providing dependable, high-quality products and superior customer service in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Proctor, Esko, Cloquet, Carlton and and nearby communities.

As a Comfort Specialist and certified dealer for Trane and other nationally recognized brands of heating and cooling equipment, we offer the latest technology available. We specialize in new and replacement systems, hot water heaters as well as the maintenance and service of your existing heating and cooling systems. Northland Heating and Cooling continually educates and trains its employees to the highest performance standards in the industry. We stand behind our work with our Satisfaction Guarantee.

Northland Heating and Cooling sells, installs and services gas furnaces; electric air conditioning systems, gas boilers, thermostats, heat pump systems, electronic and high-efficiency filtration air cleaners, humidifiers; gas and electric water heaters; and installs well pumps and tanks.

Northland Heating and Cooling believes in putting the customer first. Our goal and commitment is your comfort and peace of mind in your home or business.

Thank you for taking the time to consider Northland Heating and Cooling.

More about Northland Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Services questions? Ask the expert

This content has been submitted by authors outside of this publisher and is not its editorial product. It could contain opinions, facts, and points of view that have not been reviewed or accepted by the publisher.