When it comes to any kind of change in weather, it is important to make sure that your heating and air conditioning system has been properly maintained. This will help ensure that your home stays comfortable all winter long. Also, Preventative maintenance makes your system work more efficiently and lowering your heating bill. There are certain things that you need to check before the colder weather hits.
Here’s a checklist to help prepare your home for winter.
Air Filters
It is important that you change your air filters at least 4 times a year. Dust and allergens will collect in your air filters. A clogged filter not only reduces the quality of air in your home, but it also decreases the efficiency of your HVAC system. Clean air filters will help you make your heating and cooling system more efficient.
Thermostat
Your home comfort system cannot work properly if your thermostat is not working properly. It is important to test your thermostat to make sure that the temperature that you set your thermostat to is the correct temperature in your home.
If your thermostat isn’t working the way that is should be, it may be time for you to consider installing a programmable thermostat into your home. This will make it easy for you to preset the temperatures for certain times in your home so that your system can be as energy-efficient as possible.
Air Ducts and Air Vents
Just like your changing your air filters, your air ducts need to be inspected regularly to keep your system working as efficiently as possible and to improve the air quality of your home. Also, it’s a good idea to check that there is nothing blocking your air vents or returns that will force your system to work harder and less efficiently.
Insulation for Air Ducts
Proper insulation around your air ducts is one way to ensure your system works as efficiently as possible. If your air ducts are not properly insulated, heat can easily escape from your ducts as the hot air travels through your home. This means that you will need to keep your home at a warmer temperature for you and your family to feel comfortable in your own home.
Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance
As we said earlier, preventative maintenance is an important part of making sure that your heating and air conditioning system is working the way that it is supposed to. Checking your system in the fall will make sure that your home is prepared for the colder months when your family will want to use your heater.