Winter’s Coming to Philadelphia: Is Your Heating System Ready?

Already, we’ve had the chilly nights. Sweaters are no longer optional. Fall has delivered some significantly cold days, and it won’t take long for winter winds to arrive. That leaves Philadelphia home owners with one question: Is the heating system ready for the season?

Heating System Red Flags

Most folks don’t think about their heating system at all – except when it doesn’t work. However, if you want to save yourself time, stress, and money, take a few minutes now to reflect upon how your home heating system performed last year.

Did it keep your house warm consistently? Your home heating system should heat your home evenly, without any cold spots or overly warm rooms. You should be able to enjoy your entire home comfortably.

Did your home heating system use an excessive amount of energy or fuel? High usage rates can indicate that there’s a problem with your home heating system. Have your Philadelphia plumber check things out. A simple service call might identify and remedy problems that will save you a ton of money in the long run. A faulty sensor or poorly adjusted valve can cause you to use far more fuel and energy than you really need to.

Is your home heating system noisy? Every furnace has its own unique set of noises that’s part of its regular operation – the whirr of a blower motor kicking on, or the flexing of ductwork filling with warmed air. Those noises are part of your home’s character. However, home heating systems that operate with loud, clunky, crashes, bangs, or other disruptive noises are trying to let you know that something is seriously wrong. Let your Philadelphia plumber track down the source of those noises. Repairing them safeguards your home and your family’s health.

Energy Efficient Home Heating Systems

Older furnaces, boilers, and other home heating systems can keep your home warm – but use a tremendous amount of fuel and energy to do so. Today’s home heating systems are remarkably more efficient than their predecessors. Upgrading to a more efficient home heating system can have significant financial and tax benefits. Additionally, you’re doing your part to help the planet. If you’re interested in upgrading your heating system, now is the time to talk with your Philadelphia plumber. They can help you assess what system will best meet your family’s needs, install the new unit, and safely remove and dispose of the old unit for you.

What To Do When You Have A Heating Emergency

The depths of a Philadelphia winter night is no time to discover that your furnace is on the fritz! However, it does happen. If you suddenly have no heat, the first step is to ensure that your family is warm and safe. This is especially important if you have very young or elderly family members. Using an alternative heat source, such as a space heater, can work, or you may choose to bring your loved ones to another location. Meanwhile, call your Philadelphia plumber’s emergency service number. Their rapid response can get your family warm again. It’s always a good idea to have an established relationship with your plumber: the company who does your regular service can be your go-to source if something goes wrong.