5 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter
Preparing your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system for the cold weather is important as winter approaches. Not only will this help ensure that your system continues to run efficiently and effectively, but it will also help to prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your HVAC equipment. Here are five ways to prepare your HVAC system for winter:
Replace Your Air Filters and Ducts
Air filters are an important component of your HVAC system, as they help to remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the air that passes through your system. However, over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing the airflow to your system and causing it to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. To prepare your HVAC system for winter, make sure to replace your air filters before the start of the season.
Another important step in preparing your HVAC system for winter is to clean your air ducts. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in your air ducts, reducing the airflow to your system and causing it to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. To clean your air ducts, hire a professional to inspect them.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy and money during winter. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when you are not home can save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort. Plus, with a programmable thermostat, you can set your system to turn on and off automatically, which can help to prevent your system from working overtime to maintain a constant temperature.
Schedule Maintenance Checks
To prepare your HVAC system for winter, schedule a maintenance check with a professional HVAC technician. During this visit, the technician will inspect your system to ensure it is functioning properly and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. This will help prevent costly breakdowns during the winter and ensure that your system runs at its best.
While Still Mild Outdoors, Turn on your Heater At least Thrice.
At least three times while it is still relatively warm outside, you should switch on your heater. It would be terrible to switch on your furnace during chilly days and learn it has broken. Often, furnaces will have things going on inside, such as squirrels or creatures stuck in the flue or ventilation systems. Issues with your heating system are more likely to arise in the summer.
Check Visually Around the Furnace Area.
Checking your furnace visually before the heating season begins and regularly while running is recommended whether your furnace is in the attic, garage, or closet. Take away any clutter near the heater. A poorly ventilated furnace will fail prematurely if there is a lot of clutter in the area.
Following these five steps, you can prepare your HVAC system for winter and ensure it continues running efficiently and effectively throughout the season. This will save you money on heating costs, help prevent costly repairs, and prolong the life of your HVAC system.
