Tips for a Fall Furnace Tune-Up in Alaska
You would not want to discover your furnace is on the fritz on the year’s coldest night, so when was the last time you had it seen to before the cold made its way in? Is it up to the task of yet another protracted Alaska winter?
We at Hardy Heating Inc can tell you what our winters put a heating system through; we have been the ones keeping South Central Alaska warm for some time now, going back to 1994. For an inspection prior to the deep freeze, (907) 917-4286 is the number to put us in touch with.
Make fall the time to get ahead of the cold. When the Valley cools off your furnace will be called upon to run almost nonstop instead of the occasional use it has been getting. Some forethought will stave off a breakdown and do something for your energy bills over the coming months.
The Case for Doing It in the Fall
Winter is not kind here in the Valley. You might have crisp days one week and be at the windshield with a scraper the next. Your furnace should be in order before that change comes.
It is an opportune time to put your finger on a problem before it becomes an emergency with a high price tag. A dirty filter or part in need of replacing is of little consequence in September, but put that system under a cold snap in Palmer or Wasilla and it is only a matter of time before the issue is no longer minor.
A Few Things to Put in Order Yourself
Any homeowner can take care of these matters before the season is upon him:
- Get in the habit of changing the furnace filter and plan to do so throughout the heating season
- Put away any clutter or boxes in the vicinity of the furnace for unimpeded airflow
- Make certain the thermostat is giving you an accurate reading and responding as it ought to
- Do some vacuuming of the vents and registers in the home to remove dust and debris
- Have a look at the exterior exhaust and vents for blockages, nests or leaves
- The first time the system is on, listen for anything out of the ordinary
- See to the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and test them
They are small steps but they make for a more dependable winter and an efficient system when you are using it day in and day out.
Leave Some of It to the Pros
There is more to a tune-up than putting in a new filter. All too often a homeowner puts it off and is making calls for assistance in the dead of night.
An inspector from our side will get to the parts of your system you cannot safely or easily get to. We will be checking the heat exchanger and burners, looking over electrical connections, taking measurements of the airflow and ensuring the system is performing as it should. In a climate like ours, those are important for performance and safety.
Hardy Heating Inc does work on commercial and residential systems all over Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, Willow, Sutton-Alpine, Fishhook and Knik-Fairview. Our A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau is testament to the way we have been tending to the homes and businesses of the Valley, year in and year out.
Warning Signs to Heed
Your furnace may be putting out some signals well before the onset of winter. Be on the lookout for:
- Rooms that are not heating evenly
- Odd odours from the system
- Any banging, squealing or rattling
- Excessive cycling on and off
- Vents with poor airflow
- An uptick in the energy bill for no apparent reason
Should you see any of the above, it is better to have the system examined without delay. One does not make the fix any easier or less costly by waiting.
Financing to Plan On
If the system is having its struggles or is simply old, fall is the prudent time to put a plan in place rather than deal with a repair or replacement when it is least convenient. We have financing available to see that a new installation or some repairs do not put a strain on your budget come the cold weather.
Be Ready for the Cold
There is no need to let the first hard freeze be the impetus to think about your heating. A tune-up in the fall is a simple safeguard for your family and home this Alaska winter. Hardy Heating Inc is here to put you in order for the season; we are open 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Give us a ring at (907) 917-4286.
Providing Heat From the Heart of the Valley.
