How to Get Your HVAC System Ready for Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to start thinking about gearing your heating system up for the season. Winter HVAC maintenance can reduce your energy costs and prevent a sudden heating system breakdown. What’s even better is that this maintenance only takes an hour or two to complete after a quick phone call to a professional.

Continue reading to learn what you and your trusted HVAC pro need to do to get your system ready for the winter:

• Schedule maintenance calls: The best way to prepare your heating system for the winter is to call a professional. An HVAC technician will clean your system, make adjustments and replace any components that look like they’re about to fail. Twice-yearly service not only ensures your heat will work throughout the winter, but also prolongs the lifespan of your system.
• Start your furnace before winter arrives: One mistake homeowners make is waiting until winter sets in to start their furnace. Starting your furnace early helps identify any issues before you actually need to use the heat. Fire up your furnace at least three times and let the heat reach the desired temperature. Listen for any strange sounds, as these often indicate a failing heating system.
• Change your air filters: Your air filters are responsible for keeping dust and debris out of your heating system. As these filters get dirtier and dirtier, they make your system less energy efficient and lead to midseason breakdowns. Replace your filters every month or so to keep your system in tip-top shape.
• Clean your vents: Your air vents also get clogged up with dust, pet dander and other allergens throughout the season. This debris lowers your home’s air quality and puts undue strain on your heating system. One easy winter HVAC preparation tip is to clean your vents using a rag and hot, soapy water.
• Adjust the thermostat: You don’t need to keep your heat on the warmest setting day and night. Before you head out for the day or go to sleep, lower your thermostat by a few degrees. Lowering the temperature by 10 degrees when you’re not at home can reduce your energy bill by up to 10 percent.
• Add insulation: Adequate insulation is crucial in keeping your energy costs low and ensuring your home is as comfortable as possible. Have your attic insulation inspected by a professional and add or replace insulation wherever it’s needed. Additionally, go around and replace weatherstripping on your doors and windows to reduce drafts throughout the house.
• Prepare your outdoor AC unit: Winter HVAC preparation doesn’t just involve your furnace. After you’re done using your AC for the season, clean up any debris around the outdoor condenser and cover it with a waterproof AC cover. Once that’s done, locate the electrical circuit and flip the switch to cut off the system’s power supply.

Hire our team today

Don’t delay in scheduling your winter HVAC maintenance appointment—call Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service today. We’ll send someone out as soon as possible to inspect your heating system to ensure it’s ready to keep your home comfortable throughout the season.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractor

This post was written by Writer