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HVAC systems are designed to withstand both extreme heat and cold temperatures. However, maintenance is necessary to ensure that these systems are performing their best.
In the wintertime, it’s important to protect your HVAC system. Without a working heating system, you could be putting yourself and your family at grave risk. It doesn’t matter if you’re not an experienced HVAC professional, following effective HVAC tips is key if you want your unit to survive the winter.
This article will cover seven essential winter HVAC tips to follow to protect your HVAC system.
1. Check on the HVAC Filter
One of the most prevalent heating and cooling issues is a clogged or dirty air filter. Air filters are essential for allowing HVAC units to work the way they should.
Dirty or clogged air filters will prevent air from getting inside the system. No matter how hard your HVAC unit is working, hot air will never get through. This can not only raise your heating costs, but it will also become a problem when outdoor temperatures drop.
Also, a dirty filter can make your furnace work harder than it should. This can lead to a system failure and cost you hundreds of dollars in repair costs.
The good news is that you can easily inspect your furnace filter without any HVAC knowledge. If you have an attic, inspect your furnace and check for a slot on the side. This compartment will hold your filter, and if it’s damaged, visit your local supermarket to buy a replacement.
2. Improve Your HVAC System
Many homeowners decide to upgrade their HVAC systems when it’s too late. You shouldn’t have to endure a cold, brutal winter to realize that your furnace isn’t heating up your entire home the way it should.
Being proactive is essential in not only getting the best from your furnace but also saving money in future HVAC system repair costs.
With that said, here are some important things to consider before making an upgrade:
- Has your energy bills increased despite your furnace’s usage?
- Are you constantly repairing your furnace?
- How well did your furnace perform during the last winter?
If you have negative answers for each of these questions, it may be time for an upgrade.
3. Investigate Your Ductwork
Air filters aren’t the only HVAC components that get dirty and clogged. Debris can also find its way into your home’s ducts. If you don’t perform regular maintenance and cleaning, this debris can become trapped in your ducts, causing all sorts of problems.
Clogged ducts will lead to an overworked HVAC system. It can also contribute to poor indoor quality and higher humidity in your home that can get your family sick.
It may be tedious, but you’ll need to clean your ducts regularly. Hiring an HVAC company is preferable if you don’t want to do the work yourself.
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4. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Inspecting the performance of your HVAC system can best be done by a professional. HVAC maintenance is important for the following reasons:
- Through maintenance, you can measure the performance of your HVAC system.
- You can identify critical issues before they become too problematic.
- A professional can consult you on the best course of action regarding repairs.
- An HVAC company can tell if it’s cheaper to replace your system rather than replace it.
Your HVAC system should receive maintenance at least once per year. What’s more is that this maintenance must take place before the wintertime begins.
If you don’t know what is a condenser or have any clue about HVAC repair, hiring a professional is definitely in your best interest.
5. Replace Your Thermostat
Thermostats have come a long way in recent years. Many thermostats can be powered remotely using a smartphone. Others can be programmed using apps like Google Nest and Alexa.
By replacing your thermostat, you can receive more control over your HVAC system. You can also take advantage of added efficiency and convenience a new thermostat can bring.
6. Take Care of Any Broken Windows
Do you have any cracks in your windows? Are they properly sealed to prepare for the wintertime? If not, then you have a clear problem on your hands.
If cold air is blowing into your home, it can offset the performance of your furnace. Make sure you check all of your windows for drafts.
If you find a draft, use caulking or another sealant product to eliminate outdoor airflow. If your window is completely broken or unsealed, contact a professional for assistance.
7. Check for Uneven Heating
Your furnace is supposed to transfer heat evenly across your home. If you live in a two-story house and notice that one level is hotter than the other, there is a problem.
The problem could be that there is a clog in your ducts, preventing airflow from traveling throughout your home. Another issue could lie within the furnace itself.
Whatever the case may be, this is a serious issue. Hire an HVAC company to learn more about how to diagnose and fix this problem.
Should You Do the Work Yourself?
It can be tempting to perform your own HVAC maintenance. After all, you can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by making any necessary repairs and replacements yourself.
However, your HVAC system is an integral part of your home.
Taking the risk to repair and potentially damage this system can be disastrous. If you make a mistake, your HVAC system may not be able to recover in time for the winter.
What you’ll often find out is hiring a trusted HVAC professional is a great decision that can actually save you money in the long run.
If you lack the time and expertise to perform maintenance on your HVAC system, leave it up to the professionals. The team at Schneider Mechanical specializes in delivering top-notch HVAC repair services for homeowners.
Start Practicing These Core HVAC Tips
By following these HVAC tips, you can take the precautions of ensuring that your system is in working order for the brutal winter months. Do you want to hire a reputable HVAC company to do the work for you? If so, contact us today to speak to a member of our team.
