How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Winter is coming – is your heating system ready?

Chances are, most of us haven't used our furnaces since early spring; nearly six months ago. Soon, we will be relying on them to keep our homes warm around-the-clock. This is the equivalent of asking someone who hasn't worked out in half a year to run a marathon.

Here are a few tips you can follow to knock the rust off of your heating system and prepare it for the long winter season ahead:

• Change your air filters. Dirty air filters can compromise indoor air quality, increase energy consumption, and lead to breakdowns. In fact, it is estimated that 8 out of every 10 furnace repairs are caused by a dirty filter. For best results, clean or replace your filter at the start of heating season and every month thereafter.

• Schedule a professional tune up. During a professional tune up, a licensed technician will clean the various components of your heating system and inspect them for signs of potential failure. This doesn't just help prevent future breakdowns, it can also lower your energy bills. In fact, many furnace manufacturers will void their warranty if your unit is not professionally serviced at least once per year.

• Have your air ducts cleaned. The air ducts in your home tend to collect dust, dirt, and other debris during the summer months. These allergens are dispersed into the air when you fire up your furnace for the first time of the season. Not only that, but dirty air ducts limit air flow and can hinder your furnace's ability to heat your home. Hiring a professional duct cleaning service is the only way to effectively remove these contaminants.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional air duct cleaning services to homes and businesses across Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, give us a call at (631) 940-8100 to get started with a free estimate.