Winter is here. Are you ready? Better yet—is your furnace ready?
No one wants to be stuck in a cold house in the dead of winter. The average household likes their home to be about 68 degrees in the winter for both comfort and energy efficiency. Plus, getting below a certain temperature in your home can be more dangerous than simply being uncomfortable.
Keep reading to see how you can get your furnace ready with these winter HVAC tips.
Change the Air Filters
It’s important to change your air filters every few months to help your system work efficiently. The air filters are probably either in your HVAC system or maybe in a vent grill in the ceiling or wall.
Cleaning and replacing your filters regularly can prolong your HVAC system’s life because it keeps particles out of the system. A blocked filter can also make your system work harder to reach the desired temperature.
If you have a humidifier, now is the time to change that filter as well.
Check Your Thermostat
Your thermostat and HVAC system work as a team. It’s time to check that they are still compatible. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees to make sure your furnace kicks on.
If the furnace doesn’t work, you may want to try updating your thermostat first. You can save money by using a digital thermostat and programming it to turn down a few degrees when you aren’t home or at night.
You can even take it a step further by getting a smart thermostat that you can control from your smartphone.
Inspect Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Chimney
Chimneys can cause major problems in your home if you don’t have them inspected. they can house small animals and carbon buildup, which leads to fires.
You should also check or replace your carbon monoxide detectors as your furnace begins to run more frequently. This silent killer is hard to detect and a regular inspection can help find the issue.
Test the Igniter
If you have an older HVAC system, you may want to check the pilot and see if you need to relight. Newer systems have electronic lighters, so you may not have to worry. If the ignitor is not working, hit the reset button.
If it still doesn’t work, check your breaker. Call a professional if you cannot get your ignitor lit. You don’t want your HVAC freezing in winter.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Throughout the year, allergens, dust, and even mold can accumulate in your air ducts. This is why it’s important to have them cleaned regularly.
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your HVAC system running properly.
Also, be sure that there is nothing in front of your air vents like furniture, clutter, or any other items. Make sure vents are also open for proper airflow. If something is blocking your vents, your system will have to work harder.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Make sure your system is ready to go by scheduling an annual checkup with your local HVAC technician. They can test, clean, and make sure everything is working properly on your system. Plus, they can find small issues before they become big problems.
Avoid Winter HVAC Issues
As you prepare for winter, make sure your HVAC system is ready to go. Nobody wants winter HVAC issues in the dead of winter.
Need heating help or want to schedule a winter HVAC service appointment? Contact us today to make sure your home stays nice and cozy this winter.
