National Heating and Air Company Warns: Get Your Heater Ready Now!

Houston, TX – Last winter was the warmest on record in the lower 48 states dating to the late 19th century, according to a government report released earlier this year, and because of that, homeowners' heating systems might be a little out of practice. Homeowners should prepare their heaters before the cold weather hits to help avoid costly repairs and uncomfortable nights, especially this year since many of the states can expect a colder winter.

Just in time for the holidays, buying new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment before the end of the year comes with an added bonus – a tax credit. The following are examples of upgrades for homeowners that qualify for tax credits:

• Central air conditioning, $300 tax credit
• Advanced main air circulating fan, $50 tax credit
• Air source heat pumps, $300 tax credit
• Gas, propane or oil hot water boiler, $150 tax credit, including installation
• Natural gas, propane or oil furnace, $150 tax credit.

 

Details regarding these residential energy tax credits can be found at https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/2014_federal_tax_credits

For those who are looking for simple tips to prepare their home for the winter, experts from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning have the following advice to offer:

• Before it gets too chilly, check to make sure outdoor units have plenty of breathing room. Outdoor units need free space around them to dissipate the heat from your home.
• Check your thermostat to be sure it's in good working order. If you've pre-programmed your thermostat, this is a good time to check your settings.
• Keep extra filters on hand for those long, cold months. As a general rule of thumb, filters should be changed at least every month in colder weather.
• Keep vents open. By closing them off, you are making the blower work harder, translating to higher electrical consumption, noise, drafts, and reduced air filtration.
• Get a tune-up, if you haven't already this fall. We recommend having a professional clean and inspect your heating and cooling system twice a year. A professional can help maintain your system which can extend the product life and help reduce the frequency and severity of breakdowns.

 

For additional details on how to prepare your home heater, watch this video with Mike Rowe and technicians from One Hour.

For help with your HVAC system or to schedule a tune-up, contact your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.