5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts
With autumn coming soon, homeowners will soon be preparing for the cold months ahead. Cold weather adds even more demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will need to do, routine HVAC maintenance should be on your fall to-do list. It’s crucial for your system to perform efficiently in order to reduce the risk of repairs at an undesirable or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a skilled technician from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when considering furnace maintenance.
1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?
Once the cold weather arrives, many companies give preference to repairs over maintenance requests. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold assures that you will be ready for the season. It’s also important to look for a contractor whose team consists of qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further check into a contractor, ask what’s included in their tune-up. Here are a few must-haves:
- Cleaning burners and ignition components
- Testing safeties
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Cleaning and flushing drain lines
- Looking at air filters
- Testing thermostats
2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?
Summer can get hectic, which means it’s easy to forget to swap out your heating and cooling system’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne irritants, so replacing a dirty filter with a clean one increases 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 control center for your furnace. It’s important to make sure it’s in proper running order by flipping 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, it’s time to turn it on and listen for any odd noises or signs the system is struggling to engage.
If you have an older system, a smart thermostat is a useful investment. It can save you up to 20% on each year’s electricity bill. Whereas a programmable thermostat changes settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also factors in your behavior. Most designs can be paired with your smartphone so that adjustments can be made remotely. For added safety, more sophisticated models may be linked to smoke alarms and be controlled by voice commands, as well as other helpful 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?
Checking your doors and windows for air leaks before the colder weather arrives can save you a lot of stress later. Not only can it cause drafts, making your living space unpleasant, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increase your utility expenses.
If you find an air leak ahead of time, you can take preventative steps before winter hits, like:
- Replacing old weatherstripping so doors and windows are completely sealed.
- Re-caulking any cracks.
- Closing the fireplace damper when not in use.
“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” noted 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?
About 90% of U.S. households are under-insulated, 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 extreme temperatures. Autumn is an outstanding time to think about adding insulation, if you think your home needs it. But how can you tell when your property needs more insulation?
“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson noted. “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/.
