Noticing strange noises from your heating system? Or maybe it’s just not keeping your home as warm as it used to? Now’s the time to have it checked—before the cold weather sets in.
If you want to head into winter with a dependable, energy-efficient heating system, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some key HVAC maintenance tips and strategies to help ensure your system is ready to keep you warm when it matters most.
Recalibrate Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat to an appropriate winter setting helps your heating system run more efficiently. Setting it to a more consistent temperature reduces strain on your HVAC system by preventing frequent cycling.
Checking the accuracy of your thermostat will help your home’s heating unit operate at the right temperature for the season. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat allows for automatic temperature adjustments, which greatly improves your energy efficiency.
Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
A clean filter promotes proper air flow and prevents dust buildup that can otherwise reduce efficiency. Clogged filters force heating systems to work harder, which increases energy bills and the risk of breakdowns.
Replacing disposable filters or washing reusable ones keeps the air inside your home cleaner while helping the HVAC unit operate smoothly. Checking your filters regularly prevents common performance issues and supports better indoor air quality throughout the heating season. Additionally, cleaning your air conditioner filters is equally important in preparation for spring and summer weather, so paying attention to your various filters throughout the year is in your best interests.
Prep Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor HVAC equipment can be exposed to snow, ice, and debris, which can cause damage if left unchecked. As a result, clearing leaves, dirt, and other obstructions from around the air conditioning unit improves air flow and prevents blockages.
Covering the top with a breathable material protects it from winter storms while allowing moisture to escape. Checking for any visible damage or wear before freezing temperatures arrive can prevent costly repairs to your HVAC equipment.
Ensure Your Vents Are Unblocked
Blocked air vents can prevent heated air from distributing evenly throughout your home. Moving furniture, rugs, or curtains away from vents promotes proper circulation and prevents the blower motor from overcompensating.
Add Weatherstripping
Sealing air leaks around doors and windows helps keep cold air out and prevents warm air from escaping. Installing weatherstripping will greatly improve your home’s insulation, which reduces the workload on your heating unit.
Drafty areas near entry points often indicate places where weatherstripping is needed, so applying adhesive strips or door sweeps helps conserve energy. With a properly sealed home, you can maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and save money on heating bills in the long run.
Schedule Maintenance in Advance
Reaching out to an HVAC technician before winter comes will help you catch potential problems early on. Technicians check for worn components like heat exchangers, test efficiency, and clean internal parts to keep the system in top condition. A professional also inspects gas valves, oil filters, and smoke detectors to make sure your home is safe and prepared for emergencies.
Routine HVAC maintenance also reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and prolongs the life of your boiler, furnace, or heat pump. Booking an appointment before cold weather arrives will help you avoid last-minute emergencies and keep your home comfortable throughout the season!
For Professional Maintenance Services, Call All American Heating
At All American Heating, we help our customers in Fairplay and other Colorado regions prepare for the extreme lows of the winter season. We’re proud to provide professional heating system services and maintenance agreements so that you can have confidence knowing you’ll have a reliable source of heating when it’s needed the most.
Reach out today to schedule one of our heating and cooling system services for your home!