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
