Fall in Riverside, CA may bring brighter colors across the landscape, but homeowners know it’s time to start preparing for colder weather.
The average California winter is much more mild than in other places – while there isn’t much frost, the coastal rains and storm system can see the temperatures drop into the 40s, especially at night.
Is your heater ready for those cold evenings? Here’s a look at some of the things you can do to make sure of it.
Common Heating Issues Homeowners in Riverside, CA Face in the Winter
Not using your heating system regularly means it will never break down… right?
Wrong!
If anything, homeowners are likely to neglect their heating system, which increases the risk of problems.
Some of the most common heating issues homeowners face here include:
- Airflow problems. Clogged filters and dirty coils can cause airflow problems and make heating systems work harder.
- Pilot light issues. Many homeowners only notice pilot light or ignition troubles on those chilly evenings.
- Wear and tear. Components that have been working occasionally for years can still break down for a long list of reasons.
Trying to fix these seemingly small issues when the cold weather has already set in can be costly. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prepare your unit for a California winter.
Four Tips on Preparing Your Heater for a California Winter
Here are a few things you can do to ensure your heater is ready for when the chilly winds start to blow over Riverside and the surrounding areas.
1. Clean Up the Unit
You don’t want to go into the winter months with dirty or clogged filters.
It’s easy to clean or replace the filter in most heating systems, including furnaces and heat pumps. Just make sure you’re installing the right replacement. If you have a heat pump, you should consider cleaning the coils (not with high-pressure water).
2. Check the Thermostat
Do the batteries need replacing? Does it trigger the heating system when you set it to a higher temperature? If your thermostat is faulty, now is the time to fix or replace it.
3. Test the Heating System
One of the most important tips for preparing for a California winter is to test your heater weeks before the first cold night of the year. Run it for two or three hours in advance and check for odd sounds, lingering smells, failure to maintain a consistent temperature, and similar symptoms.
4. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the surest way to catch potential issues long before they become serious. An experienced maintenance crew will inspect and tune up your system, and also do some of the above (like change filters).
Trust Dragonfly Heating & Cooling for Premium Quality Service
Are you looking for an HVAC company to help prepare your heating system for a California winter?
Call Dragonfly Heating & Cooling in Riverside, CA today at (951) 684-0880 to schedule a consultation.
