The secret to a comfortable home during cold winter days and nights is having a well-maintained HVAC system.
As it’s cold outside, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the most valuable equipment in your home. Any problems with the system will mean discomfort and higher energy bills.
To avoid this, you want to ensure the HVAC system is working optimally before winter sets in.
Pay close attention to these HVAC winter tips to get the most of your HVAC system during the cold season:
Tips for Heater in Winter HVAC
Here are some HVAC tips for winter that homeowners should keep in mind.
1. Clean and Maintain the Vents
The warm and moist air of the summer is likely to result in a buildup of dust, pet hair, summer pollen, and mold in the vents. With this buildup comes clogging. Clogged or damaged air vents will make the furnace work extra hard and can prevent warm air from reaching the space you need it most, such as the living room.
As we approach winter, it’s essential to remove any clogs to have the vents functioning as they should.
A vacuum cleaner will get the job done if it’s free of foreign particles. Plus, when clean, air vents allow good quality air to flow in the house during the winter.
2. Get a Programmable the Thermostat
If you didn’t already know, a programmable thermostat is one of the best investments you can make to ensure the efficiency of your heating system.
A programmable thermostat can save you 10% off heating and cooling costs annually without sacrificing comfort. This will happen if the thermostat turns back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its usual setting. The percentage in savings can even be greater for homes in milder climates.
And if you’re already using a thermostat, it’s high time to check if it’s properly configured as winter approaches. To get the most out of your thermostat, ensure it’s properly programmed.
Another tip to avoid paying more for heating is to avoid setting the thermostat beyond the truly desired temperature. As well, you can save even more in winter by setting the thermostat lower than normal when you’re asleep or you’re away from home.
For anyone who owns an older thermostat, it’s best to replace it with a modern/smart thermostat. With this, it’s easier to control the temperatures as desired and at the desired time.
3. Check for Any Weird HVAC Noise
Any change in the heating system’s noise and smell is a clear warning to have it inspected.
Loud noises are a sign that the system is working harder than it should.
Unfortunately, a homeowner may not be able to tell what issue is causing the HVAC noise. Chances are, the furnace is dirty or needs repair. If changing the air filters doesn’t solve the noise problem, the underlying problem may require the help of an expert.
The same goes for strange smells you suspect are coming from your heating system. Don’t hesitate to call an HVAC maintenance provider to diagnose the problem before it’s beyond repair.
You can be sure the more you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be, or even worse, you’ll be forced to consider a new HVAC system altogether.
4. Change the Air Filters
Ideally, air filters should remain clean (if reusable) or be changed frequently.
During the winter, air filters should remain without dirt. A clogged air filter restricts the free flow of air into the engine, which results in an inadequate air supply. As the engine works harder to supply the air, more fuel is used.
But more than the fuel waste, a dirty air filter is a health risk for any homeowner. It introduces the clogged contaminants back into the air and prevents heated air from getting through.
The quickest way to know if the air filter needs a change is to perform a visual inspection. A brand new filter will be white or off-white, while the dirty one will appear darker with dust and visible debris.
5. Ensure Your Home is Properly Insulated
While home insulation is not an HVAC issue, it greatly affects the temperature and energy efficiency in a house.
Generally, heat naturally flows from warmer to colder spaces. That means heated air will escape through gaps around the doors and windows, and openings in your attic, roof, and other areas. Insulating these areas in a home will help keep warm air from escaping.
6. Annual HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system needs annual service to ensure it runs properly, regardless of how well you think it’s operating. Fall is the best time to have it inspected as you prepare for the high winter demands. But if the HVAC hasn’t been inspected for a while, it’s best to do that right away.
While you may not see the need for an annual checkup, remember, prevention has always been better than the cure. Any homeowner who’s faced a failed heating system in the winter knows just how expensive it can get, not to mention the unbearably cold winter nights.
Maintenance will extend the life of the HVAC equipment and have it functioning at its peak.
Bottomline on Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Winter HVAC
Now you know the best winter HVAC tips.
Properly maintaining the HVAC system before the winter approaches will ensure the system is prepared to handle the chills.
As always, HVAC maintenance should always be handled by an experienced and licensed HVAC technician. If you haven’t already done it, now is a perfect time to have HVAC system maintenance performed. In the inspection, the technician spots any issues and ensures the heating works as it should before the winter sets in.