With the winter season fast-approaching, it is time to prepare your HVAC system for the ultimate changeover from cooling to heating. Given that your HVAC system runs all year round, it is essential to keep it in good shape for the winter. The last thing you wish to find yourself doing is dealing with a cold home or business when the season finally kicks off.
If you fail to prepare your system adequately, it will not be able to keep your home or business warm during the cold weather and when it is time for cooling again in the spring. Winter is associated with moisture, and some of the critical sins of moisture include condensation on windows, mold, insect infestation, musty odors, and peeling wallpaper.
Below are some tips to help you prepare your HVAC system for the cold weather.
Schedule a Professional Check-up
One of the most recommended ways of preparing your HVAC for the winter season is by scheduling a professional maintenance checkup with a certified technician. You need to have your HVAC system routinely checked, inspected and serviced as a preventive measure. You should have your unit serviced at least once per year.
During the routine checkup, the technician conducts a thorough inspection of the furnace and will make any necessary adjustments to ensure safe combustion and venting of the products inside the unit. At the end of the exercise, you get an HVAC unit with an improved energy efficiency plus high performance.
Check/Replace Your Air Filters
It is critical to change or clean all the filters of your unit regularly. If you are looking for better performance, make sure that you inspect and adequately clean or replace the air filters at least once per month. This process can be carried out more frequently during the cold season since the system may be overworking.
A dirty furnace and air conditioning filters can bring about several unwanted problems such as the inability to heat or cool your home to the expected standards. Filter changes during winter keep your HVAC system operating efficiently throughout the year.
Consider Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Apart from saving you a lot of money on your energy bills, installing a programmable thermostat also ensures that your house is comfortable and only warms or cools to your preferred temperature. Most of the older thermostats that use mercury are inaccurate.
A programmable thermostat allows you to turn the heat of your home down even when you are at your workplace and toast it up when you are just about to arrive at home. Some thermostats are intelligent, and with time, they learn your preferred temperature and will be able to do everything automatically.
Seal All the Air Leaks
The major problem with air leaks is that it allows drafts and other debris into your home hence increasing energy wastage. Inspect your home and identify all the air leaks around it. Once you have located them, be sure to seal them off. Seal all the doors and windows with caulk and weather-stripping to minimize the air leaks. You should also seal off a leaky ductwork with aluminum tape to help you save on your annual heating or cooling energy bills.
Sound Check
You should always be concerned when your HVAC-unit produces unusual sounds. This could be an indication of system malfunction. Whenever you notice strange sounds from your unit, be sure to call in a technician to check all the electrical wiring and connections.