As the temperatures begin to steadily drop, home and business owners’ thoughts turn to the readiness of the systems in their buildings to deal with the rigors of winter. It is important for everything from your furnace and hot water heater to your snow blower to work at a moment’s notice to avoid the bitter cold of a January day (or night).
Preparing Pellet Stoves for Winter
So, what is Vanguard’s role in making sure that your house is warm and your driveway is clear of those snow drifts? Quality OEM manufacturers have been using our high performance seals and tubing for years in some of their best units. Our silicone bushings have been used in capacitors that provide starters in the HVAC systems and gas engines with the necessary “kick” to get them going on those cold days. Our profile extrusions have been used in everything from hot water heaters to pellet stoves to keep moisture and fumes out of the living space and keep the home warm. Our performance silicone materials are so resistant to temperature extremes that they are used in everything from structural seals on the South Pole to sealing the hottest of flue gasses on wood stoves.
It’s important to realize, though, that even the best equipment requires regular maintenance. So, how can you make sure that these heating systems are ready for winter?
Get an Inspection: This is the easiest way to make sure everything is working as it should. And by scheduling an appointment now, before the first major snowfall, you’ll save yourself the trouble of finding out that something isn’t working when you need it most. Not only that, but if everyone tries to turn on the heat on the first really cold day, you’ll have a lot of competition for service providers who are busy trying to keep up with the influx of calls.
Insulate Water Heater Pipes: Frozen pipes are a common problem in winter, and can soon turn into burst pipes. Protect them by using appropriate insulating materials.
Replace Furnace Filters: With windows firmly shut and little ventilation indoors during winter, it’s important to regularly replace furnace air filters to keep air quality clean and healthy. This is also a good time to reevaluate the type of filter you’re using and consider upgrading to a variety that can improve energy efficiency.
Regularly Maintain Your Furnace And Hot Water Heater: This is something you might want to ask an inspector to check for you.
By doing your due diligence now, you’ll be helping to ensure a warm, comfortable winter to come.
For more information, feel free to visit our website or call 203-744-7265.