It may seem like an unfortunate coincidence, but it’s really a simple fact of life. No matter what kind of
heating system your Franklin home uses, it’s most likely to break down during winter’s worst. The reason
is just as simple. Whether you heat with a heat pump, a furnace, or a boiler, it’s going to work its hardest
on the chilliest winter days. And, when equipment that’s already aging or is showing signs of problems
gets pushed to its limits, that’s when it’s going to break down. So it’s important to make sure your home’s
systems are in good shape for the winter. Here are the basic steps our heating and colling professionals
recommend:
Clean and check your heating system
Your furnace, heat pump, or boiler is at the heart of your heating system, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in
good working condition. With gas or oil systems, inspect the combustion system and flame sensor for
signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any, a professional can inspect and clean it. It’s also a good idea to
use a vacuum to clean around the blower, motor, and other accessible components. If your home has a
heat pump, use your hose to clean the outdoor unit to remove leaves, dirt, and debris that can interfere
with its operation. Make sure the defrost cycle is functioning properly. You may also want to have
someone check the refrigerant levels.
Make sure the thermostat is working
Your thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping the indoor temperature comfortable and making sure your
system operates efficiently. Test the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. If you’re still using an
older mechanical thermostat, consider replacing it with one of today’s smart thermostats. These
remarkably affordable devices will give you more control over how your Franklin home uses energy, with
features like programmability and remote access through wi-fi so you can start warming the house up
before you get there.
Look at ductwork and vents
Make sure vents and registers are clean and clear of any obstructions. Dust frequently accumulates on
them, so be sure to vacuum them or brush them with a broom. Look for any gaps in your home’s
ductwork so you can tape or otherwise seal them. No matter how small they may appear to be, those gaps
can create leaks that can interfere with your comfort and drive your heating bills up. If your ductwork is
uninsulated, consider wrapping it in the insulation made for that purpose.
Replace your filters
One of the best ways to keep your Franklin home’s heating and cooling system in great shape is regularly
replacing the filters that keep dust and debris out of the air your system uses. Depending on the type of
filter and how often your system runs, most filters need to be replaced every one to three months. If your
home has a reusable filter or air cleaner, be sure to clean it at the recommended interval.
Schedule a professional inspection
Many of the tasks involved in making sure your home’s heating and cooling functions well are easy for
homeowners to do, but it’s possible that you might not notice problem areas. That’s why savvy Franklin
homeowners schedule regular preventive maintenance and inspections before heating and cooling
seasons. Affordable maintenance programs such as Johnson Comfort’s exclusive Comfort Club program
make keeping your system operating well much easier.
Choose the right professionals
If you want to get the most reliable performance from your Franklin home’s heating and cooling system,
reach out to the people your neighbors have trusted for years: Johnson Comfort. They’ll inspect and test
your system and offer advice for getting the best performance from every heating dollar. Call them today
to schedule an inspection or to learn more about their exclusive Comfort Club services to keep your home
safe and comfortable all year ‘round!
