As winter draws near, it’s the right time to perform some heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance tasks to ensure everything is ready for the winter. Failing to check on your HVAC system can put your home at risk for unexpected malfunctions or breakdowns, significantly affecting comfort.
When you prioritize preventive maintenance, it can save you the hassle of costly repair bills and ensure all your HVAC systems are in good working condition throughout the winter season. By placing an effort in ensuring your HVAC system is working correctly, it’ll significantly reduce energy consumption while having peace of mind that all systems are in good shape and ready for the next season.
As the weather becomes colder, here are a few maintenance considerations to keep in mind to keep your HVAC system in top form.
#1 Schedule an Appointment for HVAC Maintenance
If you fail to provide your HVAC system with a maintenance check earlier, it’s time to consider having it checked by a professional before the winter arrives. Schedule an inspection so a professional can pinpoint any possible signs of problems while cleaning, recalibrating, and optimizing the system in preparation for the cold season.
Remember to include a furnace tune-up to ensure that your heating system is up to the task of keeping your house warm and pleasant. Regular tune-ups might help to extend the life of your heating system.
If you lack time to go through your HVAC system, you can readily hire a professional to handle the task for you. Checking out reliable air conditioning and heating services providers would be a good starting point to keep your HVAC system in proper condition throughout the cold season.
#2 Clean the Air Vents and Registers
As part of routine maintenance, go around your house to check that all vents and registers are clear.
When vacuuming your home, make sure to include the air vents to remove any blockages that could result in poor indoor air and help maintain a comfortable temperature. Once you notice any buildup on the air vents, you may consider hiring air duct cleaning services to remove the grime and grit within the vents efficiently.
Proper cleaning of the vents will prevent the dust and dirt from moving into the HVAC system and circulating your home.
#3 Clean or Replace the Air Filters
Once you have dirty filters, it can disrupt the airflow and reduce overall efficiency. Make it a priority to do the task every one to three months.
The best way to stay safe is to check the air filter every month for any buildup of dirt or debris and blockage. When the HVAC system works harder than usual, more wear and tear on the unit develops along with a higher utility bill.
#4 Add Insulation
The addition of insulation to your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall efficiency of your home.
Inspect if there’s adequate insulation in the attic, walls, and floors to hold the warm air indoors during the winter season. With good insulation, your HVAC system will work less while still maintaining a comfortable temperature for your home.
#5 Inspect the Thermostat
The thermostat should have fresh batteries before the winter arrives. One way to save energy is setting the thermostat to a cooler temperature during nighttime and while away and turning it to a higher setting when everyone is home.
Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one yet. It can maintain the most efficient setting throughout the year.
#6 Protect Your Outdoor AC Unit with a Cover
Investing in a protective cover for your outdoor air conditioning unit will ensure the best protection. It’s the ideal solution to protect it from exposure to the elements, debris, and dirt that can trigger issues over time.
#7 Check for any Drafts in Your Home
The presence of drafts in your home can significantly affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. In such cases, the system must work harder to heat your house to the desired temperature. The problem might be the gaps in the doors and windows in most situations.
If you don’t take care of drafts, your utility bill will increase. In case you find any spots where drafts can enter before winter arrives, make sure to seal them up properly to prevent an uncomfortable drop in the temperature in your home.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical to keep your HVAC system in excellent working order throughout the season. Any issues or breakdowns can negatively affect comfort, especially if the furnace malfunctions. Working with a professional will ensure your home maintains a comfortable environment throughout the winter.
Published in: Home advice | Author: Yanita
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