Should we do maintenance on our heating system before winter?
October 10th, 2022
The days are getting colder and once again this year, winter will be knocking on our doors sooner or later. Before the cold sets in for good, we should probably put on our to-do list, to clean the heating system. Why do it before winter and is it necessary? The following blog post will try to answer these questions while giving you information on the best way to maintain your heating system.
Energy savings
The heating system accounts for a significant portion of the annual energy bill. It is true that caulking the windows or investing in insulation is a good thing to do to lower the bill but optimizing your heating system is just as good. Indeed, a properly maintained system will be much more efficient. Who says performance, says less work to achieve the same result and therefore energy saving. The manufacturer’s manual will give you the often-simple procedure for cleaning the heater. Calling in the professionals can also not only get heaters thoroughly cleaned, but also get advice on how to extend their lifespan.
Electric baseboards and the convector
Due to their positioning at the bottom of the walls, electric baseboard heaters tend to collect a lot of dust. It is therefore very important to clean them at least once a year. You must first cut off the electricity and then remove the protective cover. The vacuum cleaner’s curtain brush is the ideal tool for removing dust between the dispersing fins. Carefully removing the dust will once again optimize the operation of the device and you will obtain more efficient heating at a lower cost. For the convector it is the same procedure as for the baseboards. You have to remove the cover and pass the brush of the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust. Be delicate because some components are fragile. Use the same brush as for electric baseboard heaters to ensure thorough cleaning of the appliance. This will allow you to get the maximum performance from your device.
The case of the heat pump
The same goes for the heat pump, which also tends to collect dust and debris, which prevents the airflow from circulating properly. A clogged heat pump will be much less efficient, and the chances of breakage are increased tenfold. So, stay alert to signs of malfunctions such as unusual noises or louder than normal noises. It is then a question of cleaning the air filter with the help of a vacuum cleaner and hot water. A simple cloth passed over the device and inside can remove as much dust as possible.
If you have any questions about how to clean your heating system, do not hesitate to contact professionals. Fall is the perfect time to do these tasks before the cold sets in. Heating experts can guide you or come on site to tell you what to do to optimize your heating system.
