4 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System For Cold Weather
Winter is around the corner. Before temperatures start dropping, prep your HVAC for the cold season. Give your system a little extra attention to ensure it performs when you need it the most. Follow these four tips to prepare your HVAC for winter, while avoiding breakdowns and costly repairs according to AC service experts in El Dorado Hills.
Replace Your Filter
HVAC filters trap common contaminants including dander, pollen, and dust in the air before circulating air throughout your home. Clogged, dirty filters do more harm than good. They block normal airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
If you turn a blind eye to clogged filters, in addition to adversely impacting your HVAC’s performance, it can cause long-term damage and your HVAC may break down when you rely on it the most.
To prevent this from happening, check and replace filters before the cold season. If you are using traditional filters, consider replacing them with high-efficiency pleated filters.
Get A Professional Tune-up
Get a professional inspection and tune-up before winter arrives. During a furnace tune-up, your contractor will lubricate moving parts, inspect the heat exchanger, tighten all electrical connections, inspect and clean the burner, verify and adjust gas pressure, and check and adjust fan belt tension.
Maintenance is also important from a safety point of view. During a fall furnace maintenance session, your technician will look for and fix cracks that can leak carbon monoxide into your home. The professional will also inspect the furnace lamp and make sure it is burning safely and efficiently.
Clean Your Vents and Ducts
Over time, dust, allergens, and mold can build up in your ducts. When you turn on your heating system, the furnace will burn accumulated debris. If a person with a seasonal allergy inhales the contaminated air, they may get allergy symptoms.
To steer clear of this issue, thoroughly clean your vents and accessible ducts. If your ducts have accumulated too much dirt or have developed leaks or dents, consider having a professional duct cleaning done.
Reprogram Your Thermostat
If you are still using a traditional, mercury thermostat, this is the right time to upgrade to a digital one. Setting your programmable thermostat to 68 degrees F while you are at home will optimize energy efficiency and occupant comfort. When nobody is home, set your thermostat to 65 degrees F.
If you think that you will save more money by turning your thermostat lower, let us tell you that the extra work your heating system will have to do to heat up your home when you return will outweigh the savings.
Want to have your air conditioning/furnace serviced in El Dorado Hills? Look no further than South Placer Heating and Air. We specialize in the repair and maintenance of all types of heating systems. To schedule an inspection, call us at (916) 246-2089.
