Keep the heat pumping

According to licensed heating contractor Marty Kalnen, the strain on Doris Waff’s heat pump played a role in causing it to fail. Something he’s seen happen often during this cold snap.

“One of my customers called me this morning, she said ‘there’s problems with her heating system it’s not heating properly,’ ” explained Kalnen.

The common problem he’s seen have been heat pumps short on Freon, bad motor fans and defrost sensor problems causing ice to build up. Situations that are just no good when lows are supposed to be near record levels on Friday. “When it’s supposed to be heating it’s going to be blowing cold air at you instead of nice toasty warm air and you’re going to be shivering,” said Kalnen.

Kalnen said many heating system issues could be prevented with yearly maintenance and regular filter changes, which save homeowners money on power and repair bills in the long run.

Heating experts say to not only have maintenance done on heat pumps each year, but on gas and oil heating systems as well to make sure they’re working properly and aren’t leaking any deadly carbon monoxide.

Other tips to keep your home heated and to save money on your energy bill: make sure your storm windows and doors are closed tight and that your foundation vents are covered.