As temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your home’s heating system. The cold weather can harm your home’s HVAC system if it is not maintained properly. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure that your heating system runs efficiently and safely throughout the winter season.
Here are some simple steps to winterize your heating system and keep your family warm this winter!
Check Your Thermostat Settings
The first step in preparing your heating system for winter is checking the thermostat settings. Make sure that the temperature is set no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help ensure that your furnace doesn’t run more than it needs to and can also help lower energy costs. Additionally, make sure that the fan setting is set to “auto” rather than “on.” If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust it so that it won’t run when no one is home or awake.
Inspect Your Ductwork
You should also inspect all of the ductwork in your home annually for any cracks or holes that may have developed over time for warm air from the furnace to properly reach each room in the house. If any of these issues are found, they should be immediately addressed by an experienced HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Check Your Filters
Dirty filters will make it difficult for your furnace to run efficiently and cause an increase in energy costs. Therefore, it is recommended that you replace or clean your filters at least once a month during the winter months. In addition, if you notice any signs of wear and tear, you should replace them immediately.
Clean Around Outdoor Units
Your outdoor unit needs to be kept clean of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, to work properly. In addition, cleaning around the outdoor unit will help ensure no blockage prevents air from circulating efficiently. This should be done at least once a month during the winter months.
Schedule Maintenance
Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your heating system running smoothly during the colder months. You should have a professional inspect your HVAC system at least once per year, preferably before the start of winter, to address any issues before they become more significant problems down the road. During a maintenance checkup, technicians will inspect all components of your HVAC system, including filters, motors, belts, fans, electrical wiring, and other parts that may need repair or replacement over time due to wear and tear from frequent use.
Winterizing your home’s heating system doesn’t take much effort but can reap big rewards in energy efficiency and cost savings down the road!
At Air Rescue, we want our customers to stay safe and warm this winter season. We offer comprehensive inspections and regular maintenance services to keep your HVAC systems running smoothly, no matter how cold it gets outside! If you have questions about your HVAC system or want to schedule a maintenance appointment, visit our website or call us at 813-358-3431 today!