When the winter storms hit, there are certain things you need to consider in regards to your HVAC system. To ensure that your system works efficiently without costing an arm and a leg to operate, there are a few precautions you can take. Today, we are going to look at 5 ways to make sure your HVAC is efficient in the winter.
Check Your Filter
One of the easiest things you can do to prep your HVAC system for the winter is check your HVAC filter. Doing so will help it be efficient and reliable. Ensuring that your filter is clean and functioning correctly will allow your system to run smoothly without any obstructions from a dirty filter. If your filter is dirty, replace it with a clean filter. This should be done every 30-60 days, but it is always a good idea to check before the cold weather sets in.
Clear Any Debris Near Unit
Checking your outdoor unit for debris, brush, or other items that could affect the efficiency of your system is another quick and easy way to keep your system running well. If you have trees near your unit, leaves, twigs, and other items can fall on top of your unit, blocking the air needed to keep your unit running. This will increase the load put onto the unit, causing your system to overwork itself costing you money and possibly ruining expensive components.
Examine The Insulation, so there is an Efficient System
Keeping your home properly insulated is key to keeping heat inside your home. Check your attic, door seals, and window seals to ensure that they are properly insulated and sealed off. A lack of insulation or a drafty window can cause your home to become colder very quickly. This will make your heater work harder, costing you more money and overworking your system. Consider adding insulation for areas that may let cold air in or that may be lacking in insulation.
Make Sure Your Ducts Aren’t Blocked
The ducts in your HVAC system are for bringing air into the system and blowing hot or cold air out. If the inlet ducts are blocked by furniture or clutter, your system will strain as it cannot pull in air freely. This makes your system work harder, costing you more money and potentially causing expensive components to wear out more quickly. So this is a great time to check for dirty ducts or ducts that may have been closed in the summer months.
Schedule A Maintenance Appointment
When checking over your HVAC system, there are certain things you can do as a homeowner to check visible points. For other items such as dirty coils or diagnostic type situations, it is best to call in a professional. Most HVAC companies are going to offer a bi-yearly maintenance schedule to check over your system in the spring and in the fall before the hottest and coldest months of the year. These inspections will allow you to have a professional look over all of the major components of your system to identify any potential problems.
