How to prepare your HVAC system for this winter
As winter draws near, the challenge for your HVAC system to keep the environment in your desired way changes a lot. It’s only smarter to confirm and prepare it for the new task well before the chilly winter hits your home. So let’s go through the easy to follow five-step process and make sure you are all set for the season –
Check and change the filter
More often than not, HVAC systems break down and become inefficient only because of the dirt that gets sucked and stuck into the sensitive parts. Your system has been cooling the environment for most of the summer. It’s time you check the filters and get them changed if required.
Ideally, you should check your filter at least once a month and swap in a new one in no more than 90 days. A little expenditure on these filters can save you from spending lots in increased electricity bills and repair or replacement costs.
Conduct a visual inspection around the furnace
Your furnace – the heating system in HVAC – has been shut off for well over a whole season. It will contain the fire inside that can warm up the whole building. You better conduct a visual inspection around it to make sure there are no wear or tears or anything out of ordinary.
Nothing should be lying around within three feet of the furnace. It should have enough air passage to breathe. And it’s much better to check it from all sides. If the furnace happens to be located where it isn’t easy for you to access, do not hesitate to call in a professional.
Test your furnace at least three times before it gets too cold
Do not wait until it’s too cold. Turn on and check your furnace at least three times while there is only mild cold. You never know what can develop inside the furnace during the off season. It’s quite normal for critters, rats, and squirrels to crawl in there and get stuck. Rusting and other problems are not out of ordinary either.
You don’t want to turn on the furnace for the first when it gets super cold – only to find out it isn’t working properly. Better give it a try well before it gets too cold – and call in a professional if necessary.
Install and reprogram your thermostat
If you don’t have a thermostat, get one installed as soon as possible. It doesn’t only help you save on the electricity bill but also helps save the environment from problems like global warming.
And if you have one installed already, it’s the time to play with its programing aka scheduling. As most people tend to wake up late in the winter and go to bed early, you better schedule your thermostat accordingly.
Following the above steps should set your HVAC system for the whole winter. If you happen to run into any problems or confusion, do not hesitate to call in a professional. Our experienced staff is always ready to help you whenever for whatsoever.
