Category: Blog

No matter the season, one thing every home depends on is the air conditioning system. Some days are hotter than others, and it is an AC’s job to adjust the airflow and provide the much-needed temperature that fits your comfort levels. Here are some signs you need to call a professional for a tune-up.

4 Signs You Need to Call a Technician for an AC Tune-up

Air Conditioning Is Weak

If your AC needs to be on its highest setting to generate a moderate room temperature, this may indicate that it is growing weak. This can happen to old AC units, especially those subjected to years of neglect. The inadequate airflow can mean clogged filters, leaking ducts, or both. An accumulation of dirt can also cause these things. 

Tune-ups by professionals can clear all the gunk away to improve airflow. Thorough cleaning is one of the things that can make a big difference in air conditioner performance. In addition, professionals may be more qualified to take on the job because they have the equipment to protect them from anything hazardous. 

The Energy Bills Are High

Any machine dialed up to the highest setting unsurprisingly means you would have to pay more because it takes quite a bit of energy to run on overdrive all the time. While this might be normal on abominably hot days, it shouldn’t last months. This is a sign that your AC needs a tune-up. 

More often than not, technicians can fix them right away. You will likely end up saving more money in the long run. 

There’s a Weird Sound 

A humming or buzzing sound from your unit may be a sign of clogs or internal damage. These may indicate that your AC is on the verge of breaking. Therefore, it would be wise to call a technician right away for an inspection. Once the problem has been discovered, they can repair it then and there rather than allow you to tolerate the sound.

There’s an Odd Smell

Leaks and sounds may seem within the realm of not-so-strange possibilities. However, one unusual telltale sign that something is wrong is if it starts to smell odd. 

Anything that smells like burning or oil may just be due to faulty wiring or leaks. Pungent smells coming from the air conditioner may signify a wet clog or mold and mildew buildup inside the system. Finally, the oddest smell you may notice is a rotting stench, which could suggest a dead animal inside.

To steer clear from these things, hire an expert experienced and prepared for these unusual scenarios. 

Conclusion

Your air conditioning unit is one of the most important things you should be concerned about. The longer you put off repairing it, the more you may end up paying in bills and repairs. Having an expert fix these issues can save you time and money to make your home comfortable again.

If you need the best air conditioning service in Alabaster, call Mainline Heating and Air. For more than 30 years, we have been the dependable heating and AC service in the area for HVAC system repair, maintenance, and installation. Customer service is our top priority. Call us now!

Now, we here at Mainline Heating & Air have already talked about how improving indoor air quality can do wonders when it comes to allergy relief, but there’s more to it than just that. In fact, improving air quality may even protect you from contracting the COVID-19 virus. Now, considering how serious of an issue this is, it makes sense to look further into this and be more thorough when it comes to discussing this subject.

This is why we thought it would be useful to discuss how air purifiers can protect you from COVID-19. If you want to know more about this, read on as we discuss if air purifiers are really effective against COVID-19:

How COVID-19 Spreads

To fully understand this issue, we first have to talk about how the virus spreads. According to the World Health Organization, the virus spreads through small liquid particles from an infected person’s mouth or nose. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. 

However, people often focus on liquid particles, but aerosols are also a serious issue that needs to be addressed. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control have also noted that the virus is airborne as the aerosols can linger in the air for minutes to hours. They can even travel farther than six feet, which puts anyone in an indoor space at risk of contracting the virus.

How Air Purifiers Can Help

Given how the virus is airborne, it makes sense to think that air purifiers can help protect individuals from contracting the virus. So, is this really the case? Well, the answer to this question is rather complicated than you might expect.

While experts have yet to test any air purifiers against the virus, the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in most modern air purifiers should (in theory) be able to capture most of the particles in the air. These filters are effective against particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, which is significantly smaller than any of the COVID-19 airborne pathogens. This can make air purifiers useful when it comes to protecting individuals indoors, especially if they live with someone who has contracted the virus.

Are Air Purifiers An Effective Form of Protection?

Given all the information listed above, it would be irresponsible to say that air purifiers alone can protect individuals from the virus. With that being said, the Environmental Protection Agency details that using air purifiers can be helpful when used with other best practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control. And considering that it pays to do all you can to protect yourself from COVID-19, then an air purifier is definitely worth getting.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you should just get any air purifier on the market. To be sure that it offers the most protection possible, you must be sure to get an air purifier that has a HEPA filter. Air purifiers without these filters will do close to nothing against the virus, as only HEPA filters can capture particles small enough to protect you from the virus.  

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information regarding air purifiers and COVID-19. In the end, you’ll want to do all you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Remember, the air purifier alone won’t be able to keep you safe from COVID-19 because you also need to follow the best safety practices to ensure that you are away from harm at all times.

If you are looking for quality products or air conditioning services in Alabaster, AL, Mainline Heating & Air have got you covered. Our quality products include air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, air handlers, package units, home generators, tankless hot water heaters, humidifiers, filtering systems, and dehumidifiers. For more information on our installations or repairs, check out the rest of our website today!

Summer temperatures can be significantly high in some areas of the country. That is why you need to ensure that your air conditioning system is working properly to beat the summer heat. You don’t want to have an AC unit that is not working during the times you most need it. However, issues can occur.  

Ensure you’re aware of the common AC problems and when you should call for an HVAC technician.

1) Refrigerant Leaks

A common issue with your air conditioning unit during summertime is the sudden failure in the level of your cooling system’s refrigerant levels. The function of your AC’s refrigerant is to help remove the humidity and heat from your home. It becomes an urgent problem when a leak occurs. But, it is important to remember that refrigerants can always be easily bought and installed in your AC. 

You should ask a skilled HVAC technician to inspect the leak, fix it, and replace the refrigerant. This is the most effective way to keep your AC system running again.

2) Dry Air Filters

You might already be aware that the longer your heating and cooling system runs, the faster it gets dirty. This is why you should be prepared for it. Most filters that are one-inch thick are designed to function and last for three months before they can be replaced. Of course, that will depend on how you use your AC and the amount of dust buildup in your home. 

Various factors can contribute to dirt buildup in your air filter. When it becomes full of dirt, and the temperature hits 90 degrees outside, you may need to promptly seek a replacement for your air filter.

Make sure to regularly check your air filters and have them cleaned or replaced. Normally, this should be replaced every one or two months. You need to do this to ensure you’ll have good air quality in your home and that your AC unit will function properly during summer.

3) Clogged Drains

Condensation is not really a problem because it is usually removed with the help of the condensation drain. But an issue arises when the condensation drain is clogged and results in leaks and water backup. Such a problem can damage the AC system, especially if not checked regularly. 

There can be an unwanted smell due to the leak, and you may notice that mold growth can be present. Molds can be detrimental to your health and may even spread to other areas in your home.

Call your local HVAC technician to fix the problem as soon as possible before it gets worse.

4) Dirty Condenser Coils

In some cases, there can be too much buildup on the condenser coils on your AC, preventing it from functioning properly. This makes it difficult for your AC to keep your home cool and get rid of the heat from the outside. To prevent further damage to your AC, make sure to get an air conditioning repair as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Your air conditioning system must work properly and efficiently, especially during summertime when the temperature can be significantly high. Homeowners must be mindful of the problems that may be related to the air conditioning system, such as dirty condenser coils, clogged drains, dry air filters, and leaks in the refrigerants. All these require the intervention of an air conditioning repair technician to prevent further damage. 

If you need air conditioning repair in Alabaster, AL, as well as in Birmingham, Pelham, and the Jefferson/Shelby county area, make sure to contact Mainline Heating & Air! We provide services for all your air conditioning needs to make you feel comfortable during summers and all times of the year. Contact us for more details!

Turning on the furnace and spending an evening by the fire is one of the most pleasant experiences in the world. However, it’s easy to take the warmth for granted when it’s something you expect. Just as a working furnace can be a dream, a broken one can be a nightmare. Ensuring your winter is as comfortable and uneventful as possible starts by preparing in advance—perhaps even since summertime!

Proactive furnace maintenance is important not only to keep it working well throughout winter but also to prolong its lifespan. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your furnace with preventive care:

Potential Problems With Your Furnace

Identifying the potential furnace problems you might encounter is wise because if worse comes to worst, you want to know what you’re dealing with. Remember to turn on your furnace every now and then to check whether it’s able to operate normally, even during seasons when it isn’t in regular use. Running a trial and observing the results of it will help you determine whether or not there was a problem. Some of the common issues you’ll run into are:

• A Lack of Heat Production. The primary ability of a furnace is to help provide heat to your household. If there’s a lack of warmth or a complete absence of it while the furnace is on, your worry is warranted. The problem may be with the thermostat or the heat registers, though some just find a problem with the furnace’s filter. 

• Unexpected Noise. There are normal sounds that a furnace makes to let you know that it’s working perfectly, but there shouldn’t be any odd sounds like metal grinding, rattling, and tapping. If you happen to start hearing these while the furnace is running, that means the motor of your furnace or another crucial component is in need of an inspection and fix.
• A Dirty Blower. Among the furnace’s components, the blower is probably one of the most important things to keep clean. A blower clogged with dirt and debris can hinder the heat distribution from the furnace, through the ducts, and around the home. Plus, the buildup of dirt will affect the furnace’s overall performance when the air isn’t circulating right. 

Proactive Furnace Maintenance 

Any of the signs above should warrant the urgent intervention of an HVAC expert. However, smart homeowners schedule proactive inspections to make sure they don’t even have to encounter these issues. 

While your furnace is working flawlessly, there are a couple of ways you can maintain its current condition and prevent repairs. First and foremost, you should be cleaning and changing the filter every three months to avoid the blower from getting clogged. The vents and ducts of the furnace should also be cleaned while that heater is off to help avoid any damage and even improve air quality indoors.

Professional Assistance

A key step in maintaining your furnace would be hiring the help of an HVAC professional. They have knowledge of how exactly a furnace works and are used to carrying out maintenance work such as tending to the unit’s system, motor, and blades. 

Regular maintenance from an expert not only keeps all the components in good condition, but it means any potential issues are spotted before they grow in intensity. Even an annual check-up on your furnace will help you identify issues quicker and work around them, so you don’t have to spend a cold day without the warmth this winter.

Conclusion 

Take care of your furnace by keeping it clean and having an HVAC expert do a round of maintenance to preserve its condition. Issues can arise even when you don’t notice them, so keeping a close eye on them and being vigilant about avoiding dirt buildup is the best way to go.

Even in the summer warmth, consider having an HVAC specialist conduct an inspection so that once winter rolls around, you’ll be able to take refuge in a warm and comfortable home.

Spotted a problem and need furnace repair? Mainline Heating And Air provides dependable heating and AC services to Birmingham and surrounding places to help your home and satisfy customers. Call us at (205) 664-4751!

Nowadays, it isn’t enough to have reliable HVAC systems in your home when you can still experience damp indoor air quality that can affect your family’s level of comfort. If you want high-quality living, it will help to own a dehumidifier, a valuable electrical appliance that controls the amount of humidity present indoors.

Thanks to modern technology, gone are the days where you have to settle for a dehumidifier that makes noise and ends up becoming a distraction instead of a helpful addition to your home. Now, you can find plenty of brands and models offering the appliance at an affordable price while providing great features, including being quieter and more compact.

If you’re still having second thoughts about purchasing a dehumidifier because you already have heating and air cooling systems in place, you can still benefit from the appliance. Keep reading below to find out why dehumidifiers can become your next greatest investment. 

Dehumidifiers Can Minimize Humidity Indoors 

Whether it’s hot or cold outside your home, you don’t have to worry about experiencing extreme weather temperatures inside because you have your heater or AC unit to keep you relaxed. However, when the outdoor air gets inside, you can still feel damp or uncomfortable.

 Not only will the humidity present affect you, but it can change your furniture, things, and your home’s foundation as well. With a dehumidifier in place, it will reduce the chances of experiencing humidity by absorbing the moisture surrounding your space to prevent problems from arising.

Dehumidifiers Can Prevent Mold and Mildew 

When your indoor space is humid, you can expect mold and mildew to grow sooner or later, especially in rooms that retain plenty of moisture, like your bathroom or kitchen. Over time, the germs can impact your property and negatively influence your health too.

It’s not enough to call for heating and cooling repairs to ensure your HVAC system runs properly and stabilizes your indoor air. Having a dehumidifier can support your units and increase the chances of removing any traces of mold and mildew in sight.

Dehumidifiers Can Get Rid of Unpleasant Smells

The unusual odor you notice occurring in your home one day could be due to the mold and mildew growing because of excess moisture. The bacteria produce a stench that fabrics, furniture, and other material often absorb.

 Eventually, the smell causes damage to your house and affects your quality of living as well. When you purchase a humidifier and position it in areas that experience the most humidity, such as your basement, laundry room, and crawl spaces, it will help prevent foul odor.  

Dehumidifiers Can Stop Dust Mites from Spreading 

Failing to maintain the proper upkeep and cleanliness of your home regularly could lead to dust mites, which affects the appearance of your rooms and the good health of your family. You can find them on your beds, curtains, carpets, and other fabrics you use.

Since humans shed skin cells all the time, the dust mites thrive from consuming them, along with other organic waste they find. When you don’t go out of your way to remove dust mites, they could cause allergies. Fortunately, having a dehumidifier can control germs off your property.

Conclusion

While taking care of your heating and cooling system is crucial to acquiring comfortable living conditions, sometimes, it may not be enough to achieve the best results for you and your family. Getting a high-quality dehumidifier is a sound investment that homeowners should look into making. It has plenty of benefits like minimizing humidity indoors, preventing mold and mildew, eliminating unpleasant smells, and stopping the spread of dust mites. 

Are you looking for heating and air conditioning services in Alabaster, AL, for your HVAC system? Mainline Heating and Air delivers heating and cooling products and services to those in need. We offer air conditioners, heat pumps, gas furnaces, humidifiers, generators, and more. Get in touch with us today to request a quote!

Most air conditioning systems tend to emit a low-sounding hum, even for modern models built for minimal noise. For this reason, many people aren’t usually bothered by the noise their AC system makes.

Over time, AC systems generally degrade in performance, whether due to overuse or system malfunctions. Besides providing poor quality cooling, your AC system can also emit odd noises that significantly differ from its normal operating sounds. Some signs of damage are easier to identify if you can match them with a specific sound.

How Do Professional Technicians Diagnose an AC System?

AC systems can develop different forms of damage over the years. Generally, an AC system breaks down due to the overuse of broken components. This can occur due to your AC system’s software or hardware damage, but software complications aren’t as tricky to handle. Hardware damage can happen to the interior or exterior parts, causing difficulties with the evaporator coil, condenser coil, or expansion valve. Any damage to these parts can lead to severe performance issues, ranging from low refrigerants to leaking ducts.

Professional AC technicians can determine what damage your AC system has by simply listening to the sound it makes. This is because sound can hint at the complications your AC system has. Besides waiting for severe damage to occur, any odd noises will alert an AC technician of the potential problems your AC system has.

What Does a Pulsating Noise Mean for My AC System?

It’s important to identify if your AC system is emitting odd noises both indoors and outdoors. Pulsating noises generally come from your AC system’s outdoor compressor. Although pulsing is a normal noise it emits, you may have an issue if it’s loud enough to be heard from outdoors. This signifies a loose fan blade or coil fan inside your AC system’s motor. This means that you’ll generally need a replacement to prevent any further damage to your AC system.

How Should I Repair My AC System?

Some troubleshooting issues with software concerns are easier to handle. However, attempting to repair an AC system yourself isn’t advisable if it’s a hardware issue. Since you don’t have the proper training to fix its complex parts, you could do more damage instead of fixing the root cause. Additionally, your stop-gap solution could gradually deteriorate over time. This can compromise your AC system much sooner, making it inoperable or unusable.

Since a pulsating sound isn’t loud enough to be heard indoors, you need to check your AC system’s outdoor components regularly. Instead of waiting for the noise to become louder, you can also look for excessive vibrations as a symptom of damage. Although pulsating noises due to loose fan blades or coil fans aren’t severe forms of damage, you’ll still need to contact a professional HVAC company.

Conclusion

Identifying your AC system’s damage is just the first step in getting the proper solution for its needs. This will convince you if it’s better to get repairs or opt for a replacement. Although AC systems can function well for 15 to 20 years before breaking down, it may be better to swap your older unit for a more modern one. Recent releases of AC systems can offer energy-saving features that use less electricity with greater power output. If you think you’re ready to let your old AC system go, you must consult with a professional AC technician for their professional opinion.

After detecting your AC system’s problems, you need to secure help from professional technicians to prevent any further damage. At Mainline Heating & Air, we provide stellar customer service for all your heating and cooling concerns. If you need immediate AC repair in Alabaster, AL, contact us today.

Here in Alabama, we are no stranger to humidity. It’s what makes our summers so unbearable and our snow wet enough to make a snowman (on the rare occasion that we get snow). But in the winter, the natural humidity level drops significantly, making our homes feel less comfortable as the heat blasts through our vents. Increasing the humidity can have many benefits in regards to comfort, health and cleanliness. There are many easy ways to add humidity to your house, so that you can be comfortable in your home all year round. If the discomfort in your home is due to heating issues, contact Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning in Alabaster, AL for your heater repairs. 

The Benefits of Balanced Humidity

A home with a balanced, healthy humidity level can have numerous benefits. The ideal humidity level is about 45% and if your home humidity level stays around that percentage, your living environment will be cleaner, safer, healthier and more comfortable. How do you know what the level is? You can add an indoor weather meter to give you accurate readings of the interior temperature and humidity levels in the home.

The benefits of balanced humidity levels this winter include:

• Prevention of common illnesses-  Cold and flu viruses are transmitted more easily in dry air. 
• Prevention of sore throats and headaches; decreased contact lens discomfort.
• Better control of dust-  An ideal humidity level helps to keep dust, allergens and pollutants out of the air, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
• Hydrated skin- Many of us suffer from extremely dry hands during the winter, no matter what we do. Increasing the humidity in your home can help prevent the symptoms of dry, irritated skin.
• Furniture left in better shape: Extremely dry air can be hard on wooden furniture, hardwood floors, pianos, and more. Proper humidity prevents warping or cracking.
• Reduced electrostatic shocks: Ouch! Getting shocked by almost everything you touch is just plain annoying. Dry winter air makes the ideal conditions for those annoying little shocks we get when we touch certain surfaces. Prevent this by increasing the home’s humidity.

How to Increase Humidity Levels in Your Home

There are many practical ways to add humidity to your house. Here are our favorite easy and creative solutions:

1. Use a humidifier
   This is the most obvious and perhaps the easiest solution for controlling the house humidity in winter. There are smaller, portable units for small areas like a bedroom. You may even already have one for when someone in your home gets sick. You can also have professionals install a whole-home system. The whole-home option is more efficient at ensuring an exact humidity level to keep you comfortable and healthy.  This is your best option for the ultimate in humidity control. 
2. Add some houseplants
   They help purify the air and add to the humidity level while adding to the decor and ambiance of your home. Properly watered plants will release vapor from the leaves and stems into the air. Palms, philodendrons and Chinese evergreens may be the best for humidity control. Tropicals with large leaves, and plants that do well in dry conditions. 
3. Boil water and cook using the stovetop
   When you use the stovetop for cooking and boiling water, you’ll release steam into the air while you prepare your food or boil water. Simply using the stovetop more often than the microwave will help improve your home’s humidity level. 
4. Hang dry your laundry
   Forget the clothes dryer and try hanging up laundry inside for a little while. The moisture will evaporate into the air of your house. You’ll also save on energy costs by reducing your dryer usage.
5. Use shower steam
   Any time you take a bath or shower, some steam is released into the air. Make the best use of this extra steam by opening the bathroom door, if privacy allows for it, or just keep the door and shower curtain open after you’re done. Don’t use the built-in bathroom fan, as this is designed to suck the excess moisture from the air. 
6. Let bathwater cool off before draining
   As long as the water from a bath remains warm, it’s contributing moisture to the air. So, let the bathwater sit and cool completely before draining, and you’ll get the benefit of that added moisture. There’s nothing like a hot bath during the cold winter months, and it can even be useful after you’re finished bathing. 
7. Upgrade doors, windows and weatherstripping
   This not only helps keep in warmth and moisture, but also helps lower your energy costs, so it’s doubly helpful (and helps you get return on your investment). Mitigate this heat and humidity loss by installing newer, more efficient windows and doors. If new doors and windows aren’t in the budget yet, consider using weatherstripping or other means to seal up cracks and keep your warm, moist air inside and the cold, dry air outside.

If you find yourself with heating issues this winter, contact Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning in Alabaster, AL for your heater repairs. While low humidity levels can make the air in your home uncomfortable, going without heat when it’s freezing outside is worse and can even be dangerous. So please call us as soon as you notice that your heat has gone out!

Central Alabama continues to experience below average temperatures this winter…how’s your heater holding up? We don’t want you to have to deal with a problem at the most inconvenient time- like in the middle of a freezing cold night. Know what to look, smell, listen, and feel for to catch a potential heating problem before it goes out on you. If you notice any of the following signs, give Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning a call so we can diagnose, make the necessary repairs and help prevent a furnace failure.

Here are five of the most common signs you to be aware of:

1. Unusually High Energy Bills

Understandably, this is one of the first signs that indicate a problem. While it’s normal for your electricity or gas bill to be higher when temperatures are cold, the difference shouldn’t be astronomical. Just like how a drastically high water bill is an indication of a water leak, a high energy bill can indicate poor efficiency that can mean your unit needs attention. Similarly, if you also feel as though the heater is turning on much more often than it usually does, this can be a red flag. When the heat runs continuously throughout the day with no (or very few) breaks, the unit will wear down faster and could even overheat. 

2. Your House Doesn’t Stay Warm

If the air still feels chilly in your home regardless of the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat, then you should call us as soon as possible. You and your family need a warm home on these cold winter days and we want to help! Address this problem as soon as you notice it. Our Mainline technicians are standing by and ready to complete heater repairs in and around the Birmingham, AL area.

3. Unusual Noise from Unit or Vents

Heating systems are somewhat noisy by default, but when it’s noisier than usual this could indicate a malfunction. In addition, noises coming out from the vents could also mean that the system isn’t working properly. It will be hard to determine if it’s a minor or major problem just from this observation, but either way, this is a sign that you need to call Mainline and let us figure out what’s going on.

4. Yellow Pilot Light

It’s a good idea to safely take a look at the pilot light of your furnace, and you should do this regularly but especially when your heat isn’t working well. The pilot light should be blue as opposed to yellow (or any other color). If you don’t see a flame, it means your pilot light went out and will need to be reignited, and inspected to see what caused the issue. If the color of the flame isn’t blue, you could have an issue with the efficiency of the furnace, which could potentially affect the air quality inside your home.

5. Uneven Hot and Cold Spots Around the House

Have you noticed that the heat doesn’t seem to work in certain areas of the house, but works totally fine in other spots? If there isn’t a reasonable explanation for this (drafty windows or lack of vents), then this could be a sign of some heater and/or ductwork problems. This is a common problem in many homes, but especially in older homes. Some ductwork may not have been set up properly, while other systems are simply aged and worn down. Old home or not, it’s a good idea to contact us to check the status of your heating and duct system and see what can be done to enhance its efficiency. We want every room in your home to be nice and warm, and that is possible through a few different options.  

Do You Need Heater Repairs?

Your heater won’t perform at peak efficiency if you don’t take care of it.

So now you’re aware of the most common signs that your heater most likely needs repairs. Don’t wait until something’s broken to contact Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning. After a tuneup and/or repairs, you won’t have to wonder if your home’s heating system will be able to cope with the next cold snap. 

Central Alabama has already experienced several nights of below freezing temperatures, so you’ve probably (hopefully) already have the heat on. Unfortunately, most home fires in winter are caused by malfunctioning or poorly maintained heaters, and we don’t want that happening to you. Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning can take care of your furnace repairs in order to fix existing problems and prevent dangerous issues. Alternative heating methods like fireplaces and space heaters can also pose risks.  Here’s how you can stay safe and warm this winter:

Have Your Furnace Inspected by Mainline

Having a professional from Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning check your furnace gives you peace-of-mind that your system is running efficiently. We will also ensure that all connections are tight and the system isn’t showing signs of wear. We can repair worn or problematic components in order to keep your furnace running efficiently and safely. Making sure everything is in good working order will save you time and money and may be critical to your family’s safety.

Clear the Areas around Furnace and Vents

Make sure there are no cardboard boxes, newspapers, rags, and other flammable materials near your heating system. Make sure the same is true of your vents. A blocked airway or poorly ventilated furnace can transform an otherwise meaningless spark into a large blaze.

Anything that is flammable should be kept at least three feet away from heating equipment including fireplaces, furnaces, space heaters, and wood stoves.

Clean the Chimney

If you have a fireplace and chimney, you need to have them cleaned once a year. If you haven’t used it in a while, it’s possible a small animal could have built a nest in or on top of your chimney. Creosote can also build up within an uncleaned chimney and cause fires. Have a professional check your chimney before using it for the first time this winter. If you’ve already started using it, it’s not too late to have a professional come check it out. 

Use Caution With Alternative Heating Methods

Just because something is a heat source does not mean you should use it to heat your home. When frigid temps arrive and furnaces give out, some people are tempted to use equipment like ovens to stay warm. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if you have a gas stove. Instead, space heaters or fireplaces are appropriate alternatives if used safely and correctly. 

If you have a heating emergency and need your furnace repaired, contact the heating professionals at Mainline in Alabaster, AL. Please be cautious using alternative methods to heat your home- do not use candles, your oven, or a continuously running hot shower to attempt to warm up the whole house.

Turn Portable Heaters Off When Not In Use

Turn portable space heaters OFF when leaving the room or going to bed. There is no reason to heat a room you’re not in and it’s extremely difficult to recognize a fire hazard while you’re sleeping. The same goes for candles. Never leave either of these items unattended.

Space heaters account for about 80% of home heating fire deaths each year. Using them properly, and turning them off when they’re not being monitored, is critical to not becoming a statistic.

Change Batteries on Your Smoke Detector

The fire department reminds us to change the batteries in our smoke detectors when the time changes twice a year. If you haven’t done so this year, we recommend doing that today, don’t put it off any longer. Using portable and space heaters correctly should help prevent a house fire, but we know things can still happen despite your best effort. If, for whatever reason, a house fire were to start, you and your family need to be alerted as soon as possible. That’s why changing the batteries in your smoke detector and testing it monthly is so important. Maintaining a good alert system is crucial to getting out of the home safely.

If you’d like to ensure your furnace is in good operating order, contact us at Mainline Heating and Air Conditioning today!