The coming months are bringing fall foliage, winter snows, and holiday trimmings. Brooklyn is only going to get colder, so you’ll be spending more time indoors. Make sure your home spaces stay warm and cozy by following these tips to prepare for the Brooklyn heating season courtesy the Brooklyn heating professionals at Aladdin Plumbing.
Make sure that a heating professional has inspected and serviced your furnace at least once in the past year. Clean heating vents to ensure better air flow and replace the air filter (where applicable), if you have not done so since the last heating season. After getting all these tasks completed, if your furnace is not heating your rooms adequately, it may be time to look into getting a new unit.
Run the furnace once to check that hot air is flowing correctly from its vents. You may have covered them or otherwise blocked them with furniture for the summer. Rearrange any furniture to ensure more efficient air flow.
Have your chimneys inspected at least once at the end of the year. They can build up creosote, which can cause fires. A good fireplace screen, made of heat-tempered or glass, can keep flames and sparks from impinging into your space. Consider getting a chimney cap to keep out rain, snow, and small animals.
Plug any portable heaters directly into wall outlets, do not use extension cords with them. These devices require an automatic shut off, so they do not remain on and pose a fire hazard. Allow at least three feet of space around them, particularly if they are near anything flammable, such as curtains or bedding.
Your water heater works extra hard during the fall and winter, so make sure and flush sediment from the tanks if you have oil or gas burners. Have the anode rod inspected because it can corrode before the water heater tank. The rod may be corroded to the point of being fused in place. In that case, have a professional replace the rod.
If you need more Brooklyn heating tips, or need your furnace or water heater inspected, please contact Aladdin Plumbing.