Month: November 2022

Is Your Furnace Ready For Winter?

Winter is quickly approaching. Is your furnace ready for it? There are many things you can do to get your furnace ready for the colder months to come.

1. Change Your Air Filters

One of the easiest yet most forgotten tasks is to change your air filters. When your filter gets dirty and clogged, it restricts airflow and causes your heating unit to work harder to pull air through. Make sure you are changing them every 1-3 months to avoid putting added stress on your furnace.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just beneficial in the summertime. In fact, they work great in the winter when used correctly. Set your fans to spin clockwise. This will create a gentle updraft that’ll recirculate the heat downwards, keeping your room warmer. How does this help your furnace? When you’re using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your furnace, you can save roughly 10% on heating costs because you’ll be able to use your furnace less.

3. Test It Out

Your furnace has likely been lying dormant all summer long. Turn it on before winter comes around to make sure it’s working properly. If you’ve turned it on a couple times and notice anything strange, such as unusual sounds, smells, weak airflow or no heat at all, then contact your local HVAC contractor for an inspection/

4. Clean The Heat Exchanger

Have a professional come inspect your heat exchanger for any signs of damage, cracks, or leaks, as these are the number one cause of carbon monoxide leaks. By cleaning and checking your heat exchanger, you can make sure you don’t have any carbon monoxide leaks putting you and your family’s lives at risk.

5. Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Speaking of carbon monoxide, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. They alert you when there’s any signs of carbon monoxide leaks in your home so you can get out and avoid poisoning. Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas, it’s known as the “silent killer.” Having a working carbon monoxide detector can save a life.

6. Check Your Thermostat

Before winter arrives, make sure your thermostat shows that your home is heating up when you kick on your furnace. There might be something wrong with your thermostat if you don’t see this. If that’s the case, you’ll want to contact a professional to come out and repair it for you. If your thermostat is working as it should, now is the time to set it to the temperature you want this winter.  According to the Department of Energy, you can easily save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

7. Schedule Furnace Maintenance

One of the best ways you can ensure your furnace is ready for winter is to schedule furnace maintenance. In fact, you should have your furnace maintained once a year. Schedule furnace maintenance in early fall to make sure it’s ready in time for the colder temperature.

Contact Weeks Service Company Today For All Your Furnace Needs In League City, TX and Surrounding Areas!

Since 1972, Weeks Service Company has been providing quality, professional heating services to people in League City, Houston, and the surrounding areas. Give Weeks Service Company a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained and certified technicians. You can reach us at 281-738-1362 or contact us online here.

Electrical Safety Tips For Thanksgiving: Avoid An Emergency This Holiday

Safety should be the key ingredient in your Thanksgiving festivities this year. Keep your family safe with this simple recipe for electrical safety. Here are 5 ways to avoid an electrical emergency this holiday.

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the majority of home house fires occur on Thanksgiving more than any other tine of year. Be prepared by making sure your smoke alarms are in good, working order before the big dinner. If they aren’t working, change the batteries out. You should plan to test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least every year. In the event of a fire, make sure you have an emergency plan already set in place with your family so you know what to do in case you need to evacuate.

2. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important as your smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it’s a completely odorless, invisible gas that has the ability to be very harmful and even deadly. Many different things can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, such as a faulty water heater, furnace, boiler, fireplace, or anything that burns gas. Making sure your carbon monoxide detectors work can save a life this Thanksgiving.

3. Don’t Leave The Stove Unattended

You will be juggling a lot of different plates on Thanksgiving – literally. However, it’s important to remember to never leave your stove unattended. If a pet or a kid touches boiling hot food, pulls on an electric cord, or accidentally knocks a flammable object onto your stove, it can cause a fire or serious injury. Keep children at least three feet from your stove at all times, and make sure no electrical cords are hanging off the counter where pets and kids can easily grab at them.

4. Plug All Countertop Appliances Into GFCI Outlets

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets should be installed wherever electricity and water could come into contact, such as in your kitchen. They’re designed to protect you from electric shock. If the GFCI outlet senses any imbalances in electric current, it will automatically shut off and cut off power to that outlet. To be safe this Thanksgiving, make sure all countertop appliances are plugged into GFCI outlets. It can protect you and your family from electric shock and electrocution.

5. Use Flameless Candles

Candles do make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table display. However, if you have people reaching across the table to grab food, they can easily be knocked over by hands and elbows. To avoid a fire hazard, consider using flameless candles for your table display instead.

Did You Find These Electrical Safety Tips Helpful? Contact Weeks Service Company Today For All Your Electrical Needs In League City, TX and Surrounding Areas!

Since 1972, Weeks Service Company has been providing quality, professional electrical services to people in League City, Houston, and the surrounding areas. Give Weeks Service Company a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained and certified technicians. You can reach us at 281-738-1362 or contact us online here.