The leaves are falling, the kids’ schools are in full swing, and pumpkin spice is in the air. As it starts to get colder, now’s the time to prep your home and HVAC for winter.
Getting your HVAC serviced in the autumn – or even late summer – Is the best way to get ahead of any issues and make sure your heating system is working at top efficiency throughout the winter months.
The closer it gets to winter and the colder it gets, the last thing you want is for your heat to go out when you need it most. The cold weather in the Hudson Valley can get pretty serious, so follow these tips to ensure a warm and cozy winter for you and your family.
1. Change the Filters Consistently
Regularly changing your HVAC filters is necessary for keeping the whole system running efficiently. When filters get clogged with lint and debris, especially if you have pets, your furnace has to work harder to pull air throughout the system. Over time, an unchanged filter can be enough to cause eventual failure and breakdown. Change your HVAC filters at least every four to six months, or as often as once every one to three months if you have kids and pets.
2. Test Your Thermostat Before It Gets Cold Out
Don’t wait until it’s too late to learn that your furnace won’t turn on. Before the weather starts to get cold, test it by switching over from cooling to heating and set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher than the temperature in the room. You should hear the heat kick on. If it doesn’t, that’s a sign you may need to get your HVAC serviced right away.
3. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your carbon monoxide detectors are your last line of defense against this silent killer. Test them every fall and make sure they’re placed properly, at least five feet off the floor.
4. Get Your Heat Exchanger Cleaned & Serviced by a Professional
The heat exchanger in your furnace needs to be cleaned each year as part of your heating tune up. A professional service technician will disable the furnace, then dust and vacuum the heat exchanger. They’ll also inspect for cracks and other signs that your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide into your home.
5. Maintain Your HVAC Throughout the Year
Whether you take advantage of a yearly HVAC maintenance contract, or you call your local HVAC service company quarterly, it’s important to keep your system clean and running smoothly all year long. That means regular duct cleaning, service inspections to make sure your furnace and condenser are working at maximum efficiency.
You’ll save money by keeping your energy bills as low as possible when your HVAC system is running at top capacity.
There are other ways to lower your energy costs and increase efficiency, like proper attic insulation and insulation throughout the home. But keeping your HVAC maintained, preparing it for winter, and scheduling a service appointment with Thermodynamix, will go a long way toward a comfortable and carefree winter.
