5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
With autumn coming soon, homeowners will soon be preparing for the winter months ahead. Cold weather places new demands on your HVAC system. To prepare your heating system for the heavy work it will be doing, scheduled HVAC maintenance should be on your fall to-do list. It’s crucial for your system to perform efficiently in order to reduce the likelihood of repairs at an inconvenient or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a knowledgeable specialist from Service Experts shares five questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready.
1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?
As soon as the cold hits the area, many businesses focus on repairs over maintenance appointments. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold assures that it will be ready for the season. It’s also important to look for a contractor with workers who are qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further vet a contractor, ask what’s included in their routine furnace checks. Here are a few must-haves:
- Cleaning burners and ignition components
- Testing safeties
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Cleaning and flushing drain lines
- Checking air filters
- Testing thermostats
2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?
Summer can get hectic, which means it’s easy to forget to swap out your furnace’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne particles, so changing a dirty filter with a clean one enhances your system’s operational efficiency and elevates indoor air quality.
“When you don’t replace the filter, the system needs to work harder to pull in air, which can lead to early failure,” Carson explained. “Some homeowners will choose a cheap fiberglass filter. They’re less expensive, but pleated filters trap more dust and particles. On the other hand, some can be too thick and restrictive. During your tune-up, ask the technician to suggest which filter is best for your system.”
3. Is My Thermostat Ready for Winter?
Your thermostat is the nerve center of your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to make sure it’s in proper running order by flipping it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if they are drained. Now, it’s time to turn it on and listen for any odd noises or signs the system is struggling to turn on.
If your equipment is getting older, a smart thermostat is a useful purchase. It can save you up to 20% on each year’s energy bill. While a programmable thermostat changes settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also considers your behavior. Most brands can be linked to your smartphone so that adjustments can be made remotely. For even more safety, more sophisticated smart thermostats may be joined with your smoke alarms and be controlled by voice commands, as well as other convenient features.
“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson remarked. “The learning curve will be long forgotten once you start enjoying the convenience and energy savings it offers.”
4. Do I Have Any Air Leaks?
Inspecting your doors and windows for air leaks before the cold weather arrives can save you a headache later. Not only does this cause drafts, making your living space chilly in the winter or warm in the summer, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increase your utility expenses.
If you find an air leak ahead of time, you can take preventative actions before winter hits, including:
- Replacing old weatherstripping to make sure doors and windows are totally sealed.
- Re-caulking any cracks.
- Closing the fireplace damper when not in use.
“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” noted Carson. “Take the time now to make sure your home is ready so you’re not paying for it later.”
5. Is the Insulation in My Home Ready for Winter?
About 90% of U.S. homes are under-insulated, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a big impact on your furnace, which will need to work harder to keep up during times of extremely hot or cold weather. Autumn is an outstanding time to consider adding insulation, if you think your home needs it. But how do you know if your home needs more insulation?
“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson said. “Adding more will probably save you another 20% on your energy bill. Inconsistent room temperatures and drafts could also be signs of poor insulation. Services like blower door testing, home energy audits and infrared cameras can help determine where your home may need more insulation as well.”
To learn more about HVAC maintenance or to set up a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.
