Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter

The chilly days of autumn are upon us, reminding everyone that winter isn’t far behind. With the extreme temperatures and weather of winter approaching, now is the time to start preparing your home. That includes your HVAC system, which will require a bit of routine maintenance and inspection before the season for heat arrives. By taking the time to get your system ready for winter’s chill, you may be able to shave money off of your electric bill. You will also be helping to extend the life of your HVAC system by caring for it appropriately.

One of the first repairs you should make to your heating system before winter sets in is to change the filters. Ideally, they’ll be changed every month but should definitely be switched out within three months. Green-minded folks may even want to opt for reusable filters, which can be rinsed and replaced. No more chucking an old filter into a landfill while you search for the perfect replacement, just rinse and go.

It’s also wise to consider upgrading your thermostat before winter arrives in earnest. An old, inaccurate thermostat can be a sinkhole of excess energy usage, costing you more money and increasing your carbon footprint. Digital thermostats, especially programmable models, can make a very real difference in the amount of energy your home uses during the winter months.

Cleaning and inspection is key, especially when it comes to heating ducts. Make sure that you set up an appointment with your local heating and cooling professional for a routine residential HVAC service call to ensure the health and functionality of your system. A professional should inspect your duct work, cleaning it if necessary, and give the system a thorough once-over to ensure that everything is in normal, working order.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Heating System Tune-ups Save Money and Promote Safety

Although you might not be thinking of cranking up your furnace, cooler weather is not far away. Now is the time to schedule a heating season tune-up, including:

  • combustion adjustment
  • professional cleaning
  • safety check

Ensuring that your home’s heating system undergoes an annual “tuneup”, is a great investment.

Failure to schedule regular HVAC service is usually penalized with:

  • Increased fuel bills (up to 15%) resulting from inefficient operation. This is essentially the same as burning money. It’s always better to have a trained HVAC service professional perform the necessary tests to determine your system’s combustion efficiency prior to, and after it is tuned up.
  • Accelerated wear and tear of equipment. You can extend the life of your equipment by as much as 10 years with annual maintenance.
  • Avoidable and preventable HVAC system repairs. Maintenance costs much less than repairs. Furthermore, it’s never convenient to experience a breakdown. Regular maintenance helps you to avoid such breakdowns.
  • Life-threatening carbon monoxide gas. Yearly heating inspections are also important for the safety of you and your family. Occasionally, issues with a heat exchanger or flue system problem can allow deadly gas leaks in your home. Unfortunately, too many people die each year because of such tragic leaks. Trained technicians are able to spot warning signs in HVAC systems.

Today’s HVAC systems are incredibly more sophisticated than those in the past. Wellequipped and trained service professionals use a variety of electronic devices and tools to ensure your system is properly serviced. If you’re ready to have your unit tuned-up, contact a professional to do the job right.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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