If you maintain your HVAC system, it should last anywhere from 12 to 17 years. One important part of HVAC maintenance is properly preparing your heating system for the winter months.
This will make sure you don’t have any serious problems with your heating system and will make sure it is running smoothly during the cold winter months. Do you need help preparing your HVAC for winter?
Keep reading this article to see what steps to prepare your heating and cooling system during the fall.
Replace Air Filters
The first step that you need to take when you are doing furnace maintenance is to replace the air filters. These filters trap dust and other debris to keep them from circulating in your heating and cooling system.
They should be changed every couple of months to make sure your HVAC is running properly. If you don’t change your filters, it can cause your heater to run inefficiently and can increase the cost of your energy bills.
Dirty air filters can also lead to poor indoor air quality, which can make you sick during the winter. By replacing your air filters, your heater will run smoothly all winter!
Clear the Space Around Your Furnace
Another easy step you can take to prepare your heater for the winter is to clear the space surrounding your furnace. Often, people will prop other things against the furnace to store it However, these can act as a fire hazard when you are using your furnace regularly.
Make sure there is nothing within two feet of your furnace. This includes built-up dust and other debris.
Test the Thermostat
Next, it is important to test your thermostat. Sometimes your thermostat will start reading the wrong temperature which will make it difficult to heat your house the right amount. By testing your thermostat before the temperature outside drops, you can make sure it works and that the heat will kick on immediately after you switch it on.
If it isn’t functioning, you can try changing the battery or buying a programmable thermostat.
Check & Clean Ducts
Another important part of heater maintenance is checking and cleaning your ducts.
One reason why you need to check your ducts is that they can be a source of air loss in your home. If there are holes in your ducts, they need to be sealed before you begin using your heater. Otherwise, the warm air from your heater will escape through the leaks or cracks.
This will make it harder to warm up your home and will increase the cost of your utilities. One easy way to fix this is by using weatherstripping and caulk to seal the air leaks around your home and in your air ducts.
Cleaning the ducts will also make sure there is no dust or debris that is built up. This will improve your system performance and longevity.
Unblock Heating Vents
Often, people will cover their heating vents during the summer months while they are not in use. Furniture or other decorations may even block vents during the entire year. When your vents are blocked, it makes your heating system have to work harder to warm your home.
This can also lead to your furnace overheating which is a potential fire hazard. By uncovering your vents and moving any obstructions, it is easier to disperse the warm air in your home.
Do a Test Run
Before the weather changes, you must do a test run of your heater. It is important to turn on the heat and make sure it functions while the weather is still nice. This way, you have time to make necessary repairs before the weather changes.
Doing a test run will also help you identify potential issues. Some things that you should check for during your test run are a burning smell from your vents, unusual sounds, and more.
Check Carbon Monoxide Detector
Something else that is important is checking your carbon monoxide detector when you are using your heater. While this isn’t part of your heating system, it is vital to use your heater safely. It will alert you of carbon monoxide leaks and can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
You can easily check your carbon monoxide detector by pushing the test button on the face of the device. To make sure it lasts the entire winter, you should also add a new set of batteries to your detector.
Schedule a Heating Service
Finally, you need to schedule a heating service with a professional heating and cooling company. It is important to schedule an inspection with an HVAC professional each year, as this will help your HVAC system last longer.
They can clean your heating system, discover leaks, rotting, and other common HVAC problems.
Not only will this help you keep your heating system running smoothly, but professional HVAC technicians can help you find ways to save energy during the winter and cut down your energy bill.
Need Help With Your Heating System? Find a Heating Company Today
While many parts of heater maintenance can be done on your own, it is still important to hire a heating company to make sure everything is running properly. This can help your furnace run more efficiently and can save you money on heating bills.
Are you looking for a heating service to prepare your heating system for the cold winter months? We can help! Check out the articles on our website to learn more about HVAC maintenance tips, how to find the best companies to work with, and more.
