Photo by Fritz Busch Klassen Heating technician Hunter Volk checks heating boilers, elements, power switches and thermostats at Park Place Apartments in New Ulm Tuesday. With colder winter weather, local heating professionals gave advice for staying warm.

NEW ULM — As the outside air temperature drops, the number of heating service calls go up, according to local service providers.

Heating technicians mentioned a few things people should do to prepare their living quarters for winter.

“People should ensure they change their furnace filter frequently. Changing thermostat batteries is also important,” said Klassen Mechanical heating technician Hunter Volk while doing maintenance work at Park Place Apartments in New Ulm.

Klassen office manager Mark Roiger mentioned another important item to check.

“People need to make sure outside vents are not covered by snow,” he said.

Gag Sheet Metal, Inc. HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) Manager Steve Gag talked about a few other heating maintenance items.

“People need to make sure their furnace heating vents are not shut or blocked. If they are, back pressure could make a furnace hot enough to shut it down,” said Gag. “With heat pumps, ensure snow is not in the way outside. Make sure snow doesn’t block forced air inlets out outlets and doesn’t block chimneys.”

Haynes Heating and Plumbing heating technician Dale Schwab said people should check furnace filters often and make sure furnace condensate drains are not plugged.

Adam Nilson of Nilson Heating and Air Conditioning said furnace filters should be very closely monitored when tabletop humidifiers are used.

“We use them too. They work great but they can plug up furnace filters really fast, in a week or two,” said Nilson.

He said it’s a good idea to have space heaters to stay warm until a service technician arrives, if something goes wrong with your heating system.

“We’ve been advertising furnace tune-ups since September. It’s preventative maintenance we can do,” Nilson said. “The city of New Ulm takes $25 off utility accounts for people who get tune-ups. It’s a great program and always has been.”

He said every heating company is busy this time of year, doing their best to keep the heat on for everybody.

CenterPoint Energy listed quick, easy steps to save energy and money on monthly heating bills.

Suggestions included turning down thermostats 7-10 degrees at night or when away for at least 8 hours to save 10% on heating costs. Programmable thermostats can be used to control temperatures around work schedules.

When it’s sunny outside, open window coverings during the day and close them at night or when the sun isn’t shining to retain warmth.

Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings like pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.

Ensure space heaters have automatic shut-off and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from them. Space heaters that use natural gas, propane or wood should be vented outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.

Residents are urged to test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to ensure they work properly and change batteries regularly. Carbon monoxide poisoning signs are headache and fatigue but no fever.

If you smell the distinctive rotten egg smell of natural gas, act fast. Leave the location immediately without using electrical switches or phones. From a safe location and CenterPoint Energy.