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 preparing for the cold months ahead. Cold weather adds new demands on your heating system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will need to do, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your fall chore list. It’s crucial for your system to operate efficiently in order to reduce the likelihood of repairs at an inopportune or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a skilled specialist from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when considering furnace maintenance.
1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?
When the cold sets in, many companies prioritize repairs over maintenance appointments. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold ensures that you’ll have your system 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 furnace maintenance. 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 gets busy, which means it’s easy to forget to replace your heating and cooling system’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne particles, so changing a dirty filter with a clean one enhances 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 said. “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 brain of your HVAC system. It’s important to make sure it’s in proper running order by switching it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if required. At this stage, you’ll want to 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 practical purchase. It can save you up to 20% on your yearly electricity bill. Although a programmable thermostat modifies settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also takes into account your behavior. Most models can be connected to your smartphone so that modifications can be made even if you are away. For additional safety, more sophisticated designs may be linked to smoke alarms and follow voice commands, among other useful features.
“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson remarked. “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?
Looking over your doors and windows for air leaks before the cold weather arrives can save you a lot of stress later. Not only can it cause drafts, making your living space uncomfortable, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increase your heating costs.
If you detect an air leak in the fall, you can take preventative actions before winter arrives, such as:
- Replacing old weatherstripping to make sure doors and windows are completely sealed.
- Re-caulking any cracks.
- Closing the fireplace damper when it’s not being used.
“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” said 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. residences are under-insulated, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a big impact on your furnace, which will be forced to work harder to keep up during times of extreme temperatures. Autumn is an excellent 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 said. “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/.
