5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
With autumn around the corner, homeowners will soon be planning for the winter months ahead. Cold weather adds even more demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will be doing, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your fall checklist. It’s essential for your system to run efficiently in order to reduce the probability of repairs at an inopportune or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a skilled technician from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when preparing your furnace for winter.
1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?
When the cold weather arrives, many companies focus on repairs over maintenance requests. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold ensures that it will be ready for the season. It’s also important to look for a contractor with workers who are qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further evaluate a contractor, ask what’s included in their routine furnace checks. Here are a few must-haves:
- Cleaning burners and ignition components
- Testing safeties
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Cleaning and flushing drain lines
- Checking air filters
- Testing thermostats
2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?
Summer gets busy, which means it’s easy to forget to replace your furnace’s air filter. Filters catch dust, pet hair and other airborne irritants, so replacing a dirty filter with a clean one improves your system’s operational efficiency and elevates indoor air quality.
“When you don’t replace the filter, the system needs to work harder to pull in air, which can lead to early failure,” Carson remarked. “Some homeowners will choose a cheap fiberglass filter. They’re less expensive, but pleated filters trap more dust and particles. On the other hand, some can be too thick and restrictive. During your tune-up, ask the technician to suggest which filter is best for your system.”
3. Is My Thermostat Ready for Winter?
Your thermostat is the nerve center of your furnace. It’s important to make sure it’s in proper running order by changing it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if they are drained. At this stage, you should turn it on and listen for any strange noises or clues the system is struggling to start.
If your equipment is getting older, a smart thermostat is a useful investment. It can save you up to 20% on your yearly electricity bill. Although a programmable thermostat changes settings based on the time of day, a smart thermostat also factors in your behavior. Most designs can be linked to your smartphone so that changes can be made even if you are away. For increased safety, more sophisticated smart thermostats may be joined with your smoke alarms and follow voice commands, among other convenient features.
“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson noted. “The learning curve will be long forgotten once you start enjoying the convenience and energy savings it offers.”
4. Do I Have Any Air Leaks?
Examining your doors and windows for air leaks before the winter weather arrives can save you a hassle later. Not only does this cause drafts, making your living space chilly in the winter or warm in the summer, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increase your utility costs.
If you notice an air leak now, you can take preventative measures before winter hits, like:
- Replacing old weatherstripping to ensure doors and windows are totally sealed.
- Re-caulking any cracks.
- Closing the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it.
“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” explained Carson. “Take the time now to make sure your home is ready so you’re not paying for it later.”
5. Is the Insulation in My Home Ready for Winter?
Roughly 90% of U.S. homes need more insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a direct impact on your heating system, which will have to work harder to keep up during times of extremely hot or cold weather. Autumn is an outstanding time to consider adding insulation, if you think your home needs more. But what are the signs your home needs more insulation?
“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson explained. “Adding more will probably save you another 20% on your energy bill. Inconsistent room temperatures and drafts could also be signs of poor insulation. Services like blower door testing, home energy audits and infrared cameras can help determine where your home may need more insulation as well.”
To learn more about HVAC maintenance or to arrange a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.
