Winter has officially arrived, and the icy winter weather isn’t far behind. You don’t want to risk having issues arise with your heating system. Read over our winter HVAC maintenance guide so you can be sure that that your furnace will work great all through the winter:
1. Make sure your thermostat is up to par
Make sure your thermostat is ready for business. You can save energy by keeping your thermostat set to a lower temperature during the night while everyone is in bed, and during the day while everyone is out of the house. Turn it back up for added warmth when everyone is home. If you want to really upgrade your HVAC system, have a programmable thermostat installed. The more modern and technologically advanced models can be programmed even when you’re not at home via the use of a free app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone, tablet, or other device. Not only will your home stay comfortable all the time, you will also save money on your utility bills.
2. Take care of the outdoor component of your HVAC system
It is easy to forget all about the part of your HVAC system that’s outside. It’s generally never thought of unless there’s a problem with it. But this part of your HVAC’s air conditioning unit needs even more care than the rest of the system since it is outside and exposed year ‘round to all kinds of weather and the elements. This means it is also more prone to being damaged. Buy a sturdy, weatherproof cover for your outdoor unit and cover it when air conditioner weather has passed for the season. You can find them one at most home improvement and hardware stores. Your A/C unit won’t be harmed by debris buildup or by exposure to snow, ice, rain, etc.
3. Make sure your home is adequately insulated
Another fact that many people don’t realize is that the insulation in your home plays a significant role in the effectiveness of your HVAC system. It is vital to the performance of your system’s ability to keep your home warm in cold weather and cool when the hot weather arrives. The insulation isn’t directly attached to your HVAC system, of course, but it is necessary to make sure that your home has the required amount of insulation in the attic to maintain the temperature in your home in all weather. Call Xenia Heating & Air (937-708-8451) and we’ll have one of our HVAC specialists take a look at the insulation levels in your home. If more is needed or if the old insulation needs to be replaced, we can help make that happen.
4. Check the air filter
Replace the air filter in your furnace before cold weather arrives. You can most likely skip this step if you changed it at the end of the last season your furnace was in use. Regardless, take the time to take another look to be certain the filter is completely clean. If it has any dirt at all trapped in it, replace it again. A new, clean air filter is inexpensive, and you should only have to change it one time during the season. It is still imperative that you check it at least once a month during the season and change it as many times as it gets dirty. This is one of the easiest and most helpful ways to care for your heating system and keep it in good working order. If the filter becomes clogged, the dirt will prevent clean air from flowing through. Your furnace will overwork and overheat itself, trying to force air through the clogged filter, resulting in severe damage to your HVAC system. A simple and easy bit of DIY maintenance like changing the air filter will keep your furnace working great.
5. Schedule an annual professional HVAC inspection and cleaning
Before the cold-weather season descends, call for an annual inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system by a licensed HVAC technician. An inspection will reveal to the trained eye any current issues and anything that could become a larger problem if left uncorrected. Repairs can be made right away. A comprehensive professional cleaning will include airways and ductwork. Dust and dirt that has accumulated in them throughout the months your furnace wasn’t in use will give off an unpleasant burning smell when your furnace is turned on for the season. That is the smell of the dirt that has collected inside your furnace. A thorough professional cleaning will eliminate the burning odor.
Xenia Heating & Air is at your service to help make sure your home is winter-weather ready. Give us a call at (937) 708-8451 or visit us online at https://www.xeniaheatingandair.com/schedule-now/ to schedule an appointment for an inspection and cleaning today.