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Run the seasonal changeover routine

Off-grid thermal systems need attention at the start of each heating and cooling season.

How

1. Before heating season: have the chimney swept and inspected (annually, as EPA and DOE advise), stock seasoned firewood below 20% moisture, test CO alarms.
2. Before cooling season: clean heat pump filters, service evaporative cooler pads and pans, and fit external shading.
3. Before freezes: check solar hot water freeze protection and drain exposed pipes.
4. End of pellet season: empty the hopper to prevent rust.
5. Review last season's energy use against your thermal budget and adjust.

Safety: Creosote build-up causes chimney fires. Never skip the annual sweep if you burn wood.

Sources

1. Wood and Pellet Heating. U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver, accessed 2026-11
2. Burn Wise: Installation and Maintenance. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, accessed 2026-11
3. Evaporative Coolers. U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver, accessed 2026-11
4. Buying and Storing Firewood and Pellets (FS-937). University of Maryland Extension, accessed 2026-11

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