Getting Your HVAC System Ready For The Winter Months
As the winter months approach, you may want to take the time to check over your HVAC unit to ensure it is ready for the cold. While most systems can survive the cold without too many issues, there are a few maintenance items that you should consider before turning the heat on for the season. You can take care of these yourself or hire a company like A & E Heating and AC Inc to come do it for you if you are more comfortable.
Inspecting the HVAC Unit
The first thing that needs to be done is to thoroughly look over the unit for any damage to the case; the unit itself; or any wiring, plumbing, or other components that might be important. This is also a good time to wash the unit out with clean water and allow it to dry. This will help to remove any debris that might be inside the fan or heat exchanger. If you see sticks or other hard objects inside the unit, they should be removed as well.
Replace or Clean the Air Filters
This is the time to replace all the air filters in the system. If you are using reusable filters, they can be washed, dried, and placed back in the unit. Keep in mind that clogged air filters reduce the flow of heat to the home and the unit will need to run longer to warm the house. The drop in efficiency will likely raise the cost of operating the system. And it is never good to have a higher heating cost.
Testing the Thermostat
Testing the thermostat is as easy as setting it to the desired level and watching to see that the system either cools or heats your home to the desired temperature. If it is not working, you want to find out now, not when the house is cold and you can't get the heat to turn on. Another thing to consider is upgrading the thermostat to a programmable unit that will keep the house at a constant temperature, making the system more efficient.
Cleaning the Air Vents in Your Home
Now is a good time to clean out the air vents inside your home too. Use a vacuum and clean the dust from the vents so that when you turn the system on, you are not spreading it through the room. Since pollens and other allergens can build up in the vents as well, this step can be helpful to people that are very sensitive to them. The air will be healthier for everyone in the home and it will help keep dust from settling on things inside. And now you should be ready to stay warm through the cold winter months.