Time to check your heater as winter approaches Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Thursday was Winter Weather Awareness Day, and there is no better way to celebrate then by preparing your home for winter.

It is never too soon to book an appointment with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning company of choice to ensure your heating equipment is running smoothly.

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Thad Bertsch, a senior HVAC tech for John Henry’s in Lincoln, said waiting too long for service can result in efficiency problems.

“If your filter’s dirty, or you’re not having the sensors reading properly, that can dramatically bring your efficiency down,” he said.

Some of the warning signs that it might be time for a checkup include a higher utility bill and operation complications.

“If it doesn’t seem like it’s running at 100% or you just don’t feel comfortable in the home, that’s some good early signs to have us come out and check it out for you,” Bertsch said.

SEE ALSO: ‘Your Wallet’: Gas bills are expected to be lower in Nebraska this winter

Not having your equipment checked out could lead to a carbon monoxide leak in your home.

“It’s always good to have a carbon monoxide alarm in the home,” Bertsch said. “That’s not bulletproof, but it does definitely gives you a little bit more of the odds of surviving if something would happen.”

It’s also important to hire a professional technician. They are equipped with the education and knowledge to get the job done the right way the first time.

“Just getting a professional out there, you get what you pay for, and you get good service and make sure everything’s running at 100%,” Bertsch said.

SEE ALSO: How to prepare your home as winter darkens Lincoln’s door

Along with your home, you’ll also want to prepare your vehicle.

Make sure your tires are up to standard, carry things like an ice scraper, brush and an extra blanket in the back of your car.

You can also store some non-perishable foods like granola bars in case you are stranded.

SEE ALSO: How to save money on your heating this winter in Nebraska