LICENSED & INSURED / CAC 1819994LICENSED & INSURED / CAC 1819994
As the weather gets colder, you'll soon want to turn on your heating — if you haven't already. Problems with your heating can cause a lot of misery in the winter weather.
The last thing you want is to discover an issue with your heating system that you could have addressed sooner. Everyone knows that proper HVAC maintenance is key to prolonging the life of any machinery, and your home's HVAC system is no exception.
If you need help preparing your HVAC system for winter, fear not: We've gathered a handful of key tips and to-dos from your local HVAC professional at Comfort Air to check off. Now you have no excuse.
Any change in the heating system’s sounds and smells is a clear warning to have it inspected.
Loud noises indicate that the system is working harder than it should.
Unfortunately, a homeowner may be unable to tell what issue is causing the HVAC unit noise. Chances are the furnace is dirty or needs repair. If changing the dirty air filters doesn’t solve the noise problem, the underlying problem may require the help of an expert.
The same goes for strange smells you suspect are coming from your heating system. Don’t hesitate to call an HVAC maintenance provider to diagnose the problem before it’s beyond repair.
You can be sure the more you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be, or even worse, you’ll be forced to consider a new HVAC system altogether.
Ideally, air filters should remain clean (if reusable) or be changed frequently.
During the winter, air filters should remain without dirt. A clogged HVAC air filter restricts the free flow of air into the engine, which results in an inadequate air supply. As the engine works harder to supply the air, more fuel is used.
But more than fuel waste, a dirty filter is a health risk for any homeowner. It introduces the clogged contaminants back into the air and prevents heated air from getting through.
The quickest way to know if the air filter needs a change is to perform a visual inspection. A brand-new air filter will be white or off-white, while the dirty one will appear darker with dust and visible debris.
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, invest in a unit cover to protect it from the effects of ice and snow. It’s not expensive to do this and it can extend the life of your AC if you live in an area where the winters are harsh.
Make sure your thermostat has fresh batteries and is set for your winter comfort needs. To keep your energy consumption low, we recommend setting your thermostat to a cooler temperature at night and while you're at work and turning it up when you're home. Winter is an excellent time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. This will help you keep your thermostat set on the most efficient setting and keep your energy bills low all season long.
The warm and moist air of the summer is likely to result in a buildup of dust, pet hair, summer pollen, and mold in the vents. With this buildup comes clogging. Clogged or damaged air vents will make the furnace work extra hard and prevent warm air from reaching the space you need most, such as the living room.
As we approach winter, it’s essential to remove any clogs to have the vents functioning as they should.
A vacuum cleaner will get the job done if it’s free of foreign particles. Plus, when clean, air vents allow good-quality air to flow into the house during the winter.
It would be easier if all dirty air filters needed to be changed on a set schedule, but unfortunately, many variables impact the frequency with which an air filter needs to be changed. For example, if you smoke or have pets in the home, your air filter will get dirty much faster.
Filters with low MERV ratings need to be changed out more often. Your filter also tends to get dirtier during peak use. So, there’s a good chance your air filter needs to be changed more often in the dead of winter and when the summer temperatures start to climb. It’s often a good idea to check your filters once a month during these peak times.
To prepare for the cold season, hire a winter HVAC maintenance service. For your peace of mind, choose a Rheem Pro Partner like Comfort Air to do the task.
Contact us today if you want to learn more about HVAC maintenance tips for winter. Contact us at 813 413-1726.
