Preparing Your HVAC System for the Winter Months
There are several tasks that you should complete around your residence in anticipation of winter. Maintenance of your HVAC system is one of these tasks. Let’s look at some of the things you can do on your own as well as what a professional can provide. After all, your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable, maintaining healthy indoor air quality, and preventing issues like pipes bursting.
Changing Your Filters
There is a filter that is part of your HVAC system that prevents particulate matter from circulating through your home and in your heating and cooling equipment. These filters usually need to be changed once every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter you have. Changing your filter before you switch over to your heating function is ideal.
You should also consider any additional filters that are part of your HVAC system. This includes filters for a whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier, air filtration equipment, and more.
Testing Your Furnace
It’s a good idea that you run your furnace for at least a few minutes before the temperature outside drops and you rely on this equipment for heat. Make sure that the system starts up with ease, there is warm air coming through your vents, and you don’t notice any odd sounds. You may notice there is a slight dusty smell coming from your vents upon starting up your furnace for the first time that year. This is just accumulated dust and particulate matter. The smell should go away within a few minutes of runtime.
Scheduling a Routine Inspections
You should schedule a routine inspection with a reputable HVAC professional once per year. Ideally, this appointment should take place prior to winter arrival. This appointment includes things like cleaning the interior components of your furnace, inspecting electrical connections, etc. If any minor issues are spotted, repairs can be made before something catastrophic happens that could shut down your HVAC system.
Programming Your Thermostat
Make sure you have your thermostat calibrated and programmed for the winter months ahead. This will ensure comfort in your home while also helping you save energy, so your utility bills are lower. Consider dropping your interior temperature by a few degrees when you are away from home. You can also benefit from lower interior temperatures at night while you’re sleeping. Bring the temperature back up to a more comfortable level when you are home and awake.
Consider Your Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is an important part of delivering conditioned air to the various living spaces in your residence. You can schedule a ductwork inspection along with your annual maintenance appointment. Our team will look for visible signs of damage, including holes, corrosion, cracks, etc. These things can be fixed using duct sealing products or replacing sections of your ducting.
Reach out to our team if you need assistance with routine HVAC maintenance and repairs. A little bit of planning can go a long way towards saving money and ensuring reliable and comfortable indoor air throughout the entire winter.