As winter approaches, you should start preparing for colder temperatures. You don’t want to be surprised by finding an HVAC problem once it starts getting cold. Getting your HVAC ready for winter is important for your comfort and your wallet. Here are five simple tips for making sure you are ready for winter.
Clean your furnace
Your furnace has accumulated dust and debris over the summer. You should clean your vents and have an HVAC professional clean your ducts. Clearing out the vents and ducts allows air to move freely, so your house warms up more quickly, and you save money on your energy bill. Be sure to change your air filters. You should also buy a breathable, waterproof cover to keep frost and debris from building up on your outside unit.
Routine HVAC maintenance
Winter is hard on your HVAC system. You should have your HVAC serviced every spring and fall to make sure your HVAC system is working at its best. You don’t want to have an HVAC emergency once it is already snowing. Before the technician arrives, take note of any strange sounds, leaks, or weird smells. These will help the technician identify any possible problems, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Check for leaks and blockages
Ducts can tear or become blocked. An HVAC technician can clear out your ducts and repair any leaks. You should also check the weather stripping around your doors and windows. Start with the downstairs because the cold air will enter there first. Making sure your doors and windows are not letting in cold air will significantly lower energy costs. Clear ducts without any leaks will also keep your home warmer without overworking your HVAC system.
Test your heat pump
You want to be sure that your heat pump is working before winter arrives. If your heat pump seems to be blowing cold air, it’s usually in defrost mode. This means that it is slowly warming the pipes and ducts, allowing ice to melt and preventing your pipes from expanding too quickly. If it seems to take too long to warm up, have an HVAC technician look at it. You will want to run your heater at least three times before winter comes to prepare it for running the whole season.
Consider more insulation
You should talk to your HVAC technician about installing more insulation. Insulation also wears down over time, and you lose energy efficiency as this happens. A properly insulated home holds temperature better, so you don’t need to run your HVAC as long, and it won’t work so hard while it is on.
These five tasks will help you be comfortable and safe as the weather gets cold. They will help you be sure your HVAC is working while increasing the energy efficiency of your home. You will protect yourself from emergencies, have peace of mind, and save money on your energy bill just by keeping out the cold air and keeping in the warm air.
