Your HVAC system works hard during the summer to keep you cool and then it supplies you with warm, comfortable air throughout the winter. If you don’t take time to maintain your furnace and heating system, it could break down when you need it the most. Here are some of the simple ways that you can get your HVAC system ready for the coldest months of the year.
Change the Air Filters
The air filters on your HVAC system help to filter out dust, hair, dirt, pet dander, and other debris so that it isn’t circulating in your home. When the filters are clogged, your system will work harder to compensate for the lack of proper airflow. Most homeowners should change their air filters once a quarter, but it’s a good idea to change yours once a month if you:
- Own pets
- Have indoor allergies
- Have young children or babies
- Use the HVAC system heavily or multiple times per day
- Have outdoor air pollution
If you are in doubt, it’s always better to change your air filter too often than not at all.
Remove Dust and Debris from Air Ducts
Like the air filter, the air ducts in your home are also responsible for circulating the air that you breathe every day. When you’re breathing in dust and debris that has been sitting in the vents, it can lead to breathing disorders and other health problems. Having your vents professionally cleaned will ensure that only clean air is passing through your vents and your indoor air quality is the best it can possibly be.
Program Your Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a fantastic tool for lowering your heating bills and getting the most out of your furnace. They will automatically adjust the temperature throughout the day based on what your plans are. For example, if you go to the office every day, your programmable thermostat can move to a lower temperature since you aren’t home. You can also set it up to start up again right before you get home so that you arrive at a warm home.
Clean Your Furnace
Preventative cleaning and maintenance are critical to ensure your HVAC system is in great condition. Hoot Heating & Air can visit your home to inspect your furnace and see whether there are any repairs that need to be made. During this inspection, they will do things like examining the blower, changing belts, inspecting electrical connections, and oiling parts for optimal operation.
Practice Heating Safety
Every year, thousands of homeowners experience house fires, and some of them are started due to not practicing heating safety. Never leave space heaters unattended. If you find yourself needing to use a space heater regularly, you should work with an HVAC professional to see whether there is another way to optimize your heat so that it distributes throughout your home more effectively.
Cover Up Your AC Unit
When snow is falling, it’s a good idea to cover up your outside air conditioning unit. Since you won’t be using it for many months, placing the cover on top is an effective way to prevent damage and stop debris from falling inside of it. There are many different sizes of covers available to suit a broad range of unit sizes.
Check the Air Vents
Many people think that there are problems with their heating system efficiency only to realize that there are obstructions preventing the even flow of heat throughout the space. Take a walk around your home to see if there are couches, tables, or other obstacles that could be blocking air vents. You can also use a vacuum to suck out any dust in the vent itself.
Worried something’s not right with your furnace? Call Hoot Heating & Air today 443-309-8420
