There’s nothing like the warm feeling of home during the holidays—unless the heat goes out.  Before the stockings are hung, menorah placed, and the lights go up on the tree, there’s one thing that has to be taken care of before the holidays kick into gear: check your heating unit’s filter, or call a service professional to do it for you.

Maybe you’re on a schedule and you know you’re due. Or maybe you’re a new homeowner and you didn’t know this was a thing.  Either way, proper maintenance will keep your system running smoothly so a heating emergency doesn’t interrupt your holidays.

Why is it important to check the filter?

If your heater is running longer than usual, or if heat isn’t distributing evenly, leaving some rooms colder than others, there could be a problem with the filter.  Just as you don’t want Santa getting stuck in the chimney, you definitely don’t want dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander and other debris getting stuck in your HVAC filter.

• A clogged filter can lower your system’s efficiency, causing your heater to have to work harder, which can raise your energy bills.  Making sure your HVAC filter is new or clean can save heating costs. It can prevent expensive repairs caused by a system that’s working harder than intended. 
• A clean filter can improve air quality in your home. Filters trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. A clean filter removes these pollutants, leading to better indoor air quality. This is especially important in winter when windows are closed and circulation of fresh air is limited.
• Routine maintenance helps detect problems, extending the longevity of your system by reducing strain on components, keeping it running efficiently for longer.
• A clogged filter can cause a heating unit to overheat.  In extreme cases, this can cause a fire in the heating system.

Pulling dusty decorations out of the attic or basement, cleaning them off, and putting them up around the house can significantly affect your system’s filter, so December is an ideal time to replace it.

Make sure this holiday season is holly and jolly—without heating emergencies! To learn how to replace your system’s filter or have a professional do it, contact MJ Heating and Air Conditioning at mjheatingac.com