Winter is here, and your HVAC system is expected to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If your heating system isn’t in good shape, it could leave you feeling chilly when temperatures drop below freezing outside. You can prepare your system for the coming months by doing a few simple tasks to ensure you enjoy a cozy winter, while saving money on energy bills at the same time.
Here are some tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for the winter months ahead.
Inspect Your Furnace for Leaks, Cracks or Holes
The first step in preparing your HVAC system for winter is to inspect the furnace for leaks, cracks or holes. If you find any damage, be sure to have it repaired before using the furnace again. Damaged furnaces can be dangerous and largely inefficient and may not work properly during cold weather. Experts offering heating services Silver Spring MD note that even a small crack in the furnace can release a large amount of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. If you have an older furnace, it may be time to consider replacing it. Newer furnaces are more energy-efficient and can help save you money on your utility bills.
Change Your Air Filters and Clean Air Vents
Change your air filters and clean your air vents to ensure peak performance and efficiency from your HVAC system this winter. Regularly changing your air filter will help keep dust and dirt from building up inside your system and clogging the airflow. Cleaning your air vents will help remove any built-up debris collected over time. Most homeowners ignore these essential tasks until it’s too late and their heating system is not working properly. Dirty air ducts and filters can cause your system to work harder and can even lead to a breakdown. These are simple tasks you can do yourself, and they will help your system work more efficiently this winter.
Check the Thermostat Settings and Adjust
It’s a good idea to check the thermostat settings and adjust them as necessary before winter arrives. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it’s set to the correct mode for winter. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider investing in one. It can save you significant money on energy consumption and costs. A smart thermostat with advanced adaptive technology can learn your habits and automatically adjust the temperature to save you money. Ensure that the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature – not too high and not too low. You don’t want to be shivering or sweating when you’re trying to warm up or cool down.
Schedule a Maintenance Inspection
The start of the winter heating season is a great time to have your system inspected by an expert. If you haven’t had one yet this year, now is a good opportunity to get it ready for the cold weather ahead. A professional maintenance inspection is critical to keeping your system running at optimal performance and efficiency. A service technician will look over your equipment and clean or replace any dirty filters, inspect and lubricate all of the moving parts, install additional insulation, and check the electrical system to see that everything is working properly. If they find anything, they can adjust or repair it on the spot, preventing costly damage down the road.
Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
Preparing your HVAC system for winter helps prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning system, keeps you warm all winter long, and helps prevent fire hazards that may arise from using a faulty HVAC system. Ensuring it’s in tip-top shape is critical as it will run almost constantly throughout this time of year. The energy savings also make these simple preps for your HVAC system worth it. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your system ready for frigid weather. Instead, start preparing a few weeks ahead of time so you can get the most out of it when the weather turns cold. You’ll be happy you took the time to do so when you are warm and cozy inside your home this winter. Also, don’t forget to prepare you AC for winter as well. Winter can take a toll on your AC if it’s not prepared.
