We’ve been fortunate to have a fairly mild winter so far, but we can expect dropping temperatures, snow, and ice to hit at anytime! With that in mind, it is so important to ensure that your HVAC system is prepared for the colder weather to come. If you haven’t been taking steps to prepare so far this season, here are a few of the best ways you can confidently keep your home warm throughout the coldest days of winter.
- Clean or replace air filters: Air filters should be cleaned, if not replaced, before the start of every new season. If you haven’t already taken a look at your air filters this winter, be sure to replace your air filters as soon as possible. Fresh air filters allow air to flow more efficiently through your home, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. Clean air filters can also help to improve indoor air quality.
- Clean air ducts: Even with quality air filters, the air ducts and vents within your HVAC system can collect dust, mold, and allergens overtime. These types of contaminants can be exasperated by the hot air flowing through your ducts, so it’s important to clean them before the heating season picks up. Duct cleaning is something that is best left to professionals, so be sure to get an HVAC expert to help you with this task.
- Schedule maintenance: In addition to air duct cleaning, there are other maintenance tasks that should be performed on your system annually, sometimes even more frequently depending on the age and how often your HVAC system is used. If it has been over 6 months since you last scheduled maintenance, now is the time to ensure that your system is in proper working order. Maintenance performed by an HVAC professional will save you money in the long run, help to prolong the life of your HVAC system, and prevent emergency visits down the line.
- Inspect and adjust vents: Make sure that the vents have been dusted and are not covered or blocked by furniture or other decor in your home. It’s a good idea to close off vents in unused rooms of your home (such as an unused basement or guest bathroom) to promote stronger air flow and heating throughout the more populated spaces in your house.
- Clear area around unit: Since your HVAC unit is outside of your home you may not pay much attention to what it looks like on a regular basis. Take a look to ensure that the area around it is free of debris, tree branches, and any lawn equipment you may have in your yard. If you have any concerns about the physical state of your HVAC unit, do not hesitate to call a professional to take a look.
We’re here to help you stay warm and comfortable in your home this winter! Call today to schedule a heating service!