There are a number of steps that homeowners should take to prepare for colder weather. All homeowners’ task lists should include their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
Here are seven tips for winter HVAC maintenance.
1. Change your Air Filters
Air filters work to catch and remove particles and pollutants from the air. Throughout the summer months, your air filters were removing airborne dirt, dust, and other debris from the air. Clogged and dirty air filters do not permit an easy or even flow of air. Your HVAC system has to work harder when its filters are blocked.
Be sure to remove the dirty air filters and replace them with clean ones.
2. Adjust the Settings on your Thermostat
Your first step with your thermostat is checking that the settings for the heat mode are working. In the fall, turn your heat on.
As the colder days arrive, change the settings on your Smart thermostat. You should have different temperature ranges for daytime and nighttime. If no one is home during the day, take that into account when you adjust the temperatures to heat your home.
3. Clean Registers and Vents
During the summer months, you might have moved furniture or rugs in your home. To prepare for winter, go through your home and move anything that is blocking the flow of air to your supply and return vents. Then check all the air registers in your home. Be sure to vacuum dust and dirt from the grilles. Be sure that all vents are open. This way the air flows through your HVAC system as designed.
4. Test Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors
All homes should have working smoke alarms and CO detectors. Part of your winter preparation list should include testing both the CO detector and smoke alarm. If they are battery operated, replace the batteries.
5. Check around your HVAC Units
Your indoor and outdoor HVAC units should always be clear of debris. This is a good time to check on your furnace cabinet or enclosure and your outside air conditioning unit.
Remove any objects that may have been placed in or near your furnace or heating unit. If dust and cobwebs have formed, clean the area. Unobstructed air flow is essential for your heating unit to efficiently operate.
If you no longer need your air conditioning unit, you can cover it. This will protect it from rain, snow, and sleet.
6. Have Air Ducts Cleaned
A thorough cleaning of your home’s HVAC ductwork system will remove dust and dirt that has accumulated throughout the year. Be sure that the ductwork is checked for any signs of dampness and drafts. Your home’s air quality will be improved, and your system will operate more efficiently.
7. Schedule your Annual Service
Call your certified HVAC technicians to schedule your annual service. Not only will this help ensure that you have heat all winter, but it will also reduce the chance of unexpected system failures. Regular maintenance performed by a trained HVAC professional will increase the longevity of your units.
