How should you prepare for a heating service? You're a new homeowner and this is your first experience with a heating repair. You've called the HVAC contractor, explained the issue, and set up an appointment. Take a look at the prep steps that can make the service call easier for everyone involved.

Prepare the Outdoor Area

This step involves a few separate mini- or sub-steps. Even though your heating system is inside of your home, you may still need to prepare the exterior of your home. This could include steps such as:

• Make room for the HVAC contractor's truck, van, or other vehicle. If you have a private driveway that provides access to the basement or other area of your home that houses the heater, move your car and let the contractor park in the driveway.

• Talk to your neighbors. Do you share a driveway or use on-street parking? Ask your neighbors if they're comfortable moving their vehicle to make room for the contractor.

• Remove snow or ice. As the mercury dips, the snow and ice could create a slip-and-fall hazard—especially if the technician needs to carry heavy furnace parts into your home. Shovel the walkways and use ice melt products to reduce the risk.

• Move outdoor items. Remove your child's bike, a hammock, a porch swing, or anything else outdoors that gets in the technician's way. These types of outdoor items can also create trip and fall hazards.

When you schedule the repair service, ask about outdoor areas the technician may need to access. Some heater issues will require the tech to inspect or fix exterior vents or pipes. 

Prepare the Indoor Area

Now that the exterior space is ready for the HVAC technician, it's time to turn your attention to the interior area. To prep your home for a furnace repair:

• Move everything away from the heater. The technician will need direct access to the furnace and room to move. Remove boxes, furniture, or anything else that will get in the heating pro's way.

• Move everything away from the electrical panel. Some repairs may have an electrical component. Make sure the contractor can easily reach your home's main electrical panel. 

• Cover the floors. The technician may need to enter and exit your home more than once during the service call. Avoid a potential mess and cover the floors with non-slip pads or a similar option.

Along with these steps, pet owners should put cats or dogs in a safe space away from the heater (and the technician) and make sure there is plenty of lighting in the work area. You can also contact the heating company before your service call and ask the contractor if they have any other prep steps you should follow.  

For more information about heating services, contact a local company.