HOW TO
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Skill Level
One hammer: Novice
Five hammers: Experienced |
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Winter Heating Tune-Up
By
Lou Granata
Figure 1 |
Figure 2 |
Figure 3 |
As a home owner/renter
you can increase the efficiency of your heating system by doing
a few fall tune-ups. The heating unit itself should not be tampered
with. If you feel that your heating system is not performing
to past standards call a licensed heating specialist. Gas, electric,
and oil burning units carry high voltage and could impose a
serious injury or health hazard.
Air
Filter Replacement
Changing the air filter is a simple fix. The purpose
of a filter is to keep dust, soot, and other pollutants out
of the air that blows into your living area. Dirty filters block
airflow which makes your heating system work harder. It’s
important to replace or clean air filters regularly (filters
are so inexpensive why clean them), three times a season or
more depending on the size of your house. The location of the
filter on most units is between the return duct and the furnace
(figure 1). If you get into the habit of changing your air
filters, smoke alarm batteries, and turning back the clock to
adjust for daylight savings time you’ve condensed three
tasks to remember into one. Next spring do the same and you’ll
have a new air filter ready for the next cold season.
Check the label on
your filter to be sure you’re installing it in the correct
direction, look for the arrow (figure 2). There are a
few different types of air filters on the market and they all
do a good job. The high-efficiency pleated filters improve the
indoor air quality by increasing the amount of surface area
to trap more lint, dust, pollen, mold, and mildew — up
to 95% from the air. Another plus to the pleated filters is
they can last longer there-by decreasing the number of changes
during the winter.
Oil Burning
Systems
You can change the filter in this type of system but it could
be a messy job and best left to a professional. To increase
the efficiency of an oil-burning system adjustments to the burners
is needed. This should never be done by a home owner/renter.
According to Eric Sherman from All Temp Professional, “People
who attempt to work on these units wind up calling us anyway.”
So call the pros for the tune-up. The cost may vary so call
around to get the best price.
Baseboard
and Radiators
Besides changing the filter in the heating unit there’s
not much more to do. For the best efficiency, as well as to
prevent fires, it’s important to keep the vents (baseboard
and electric wall heaters) on these heaters free of dirt, dust,
and animal hair by cleaning them at least once a season. Using
the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner works well. On baseboards
leave the top flap open so the heat rises while cool air returns
in the lower slot. Keep drapes clear of these units. They collect
the heat and direct it straight out the window and they could
also be a fire hazard.
Do the same cleaning
for radiators. If you think that one or more of your radiators
are not producing like the others you can bleed the water to
release air that gets trapped in the system. According to the
pros this doesn’t happen often. Never change or flush the
water in the system, this could add air and you’ll be making
that call to the pros. Locate the bleed valve, (figure 3)
open it slowly (have a container handy for water loss), and
as soon as fluid appears, retighten the valve.
Keeping your heating
system working well could save you money on your heating bills.
| Tools
& Materials |
Vacuum cleaner, filter, pliers. |
| Where
to Purchase |
The Heating Specialist
(503)
257-7000 |
| Permits
& Codes? |
Log onto:
www.opdr.ci.portland.or.us |
| Average
Cost |
$1-$6 depending on the number
of filters needed. |
|
