Winter is a magical time for many people, but the season brings along increased energy bills and potential problems with your home’s heating system. Proper HVAC maintenance can help you avoid a costly repair bill and ensure your home stays comfortable.
Make sure your home is properly insulated to keep warm air in and cold air out, reducing your heating bills. You should also vacuum and clean your home’s vents to prevent blockage.
1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
When your heating system is working efficiently, you’ll save money and stay toasty. A professional inspection will help identify and address small problems before they become big, expensive ones.
An inspector will be able to easily check hard-to-reach areas such as the roof, crawlspaces, attic, and indoor and outdoor HVAC systems. He or she can remove ice dams, icicles, and snow around doors and exterior plumbing to allow them to open and close properly.
Changing your furnace filter is also important to ensure the efficiency of your heating system. A dirty filter will block airflow, forcing your system to work harder. The simple act of changing your filters can save you money, reduce irritants in the home, and keep you and your family healthy. If you haven’t scheduled an inspection this fall, do it now before winter arrives. It could save you a lot of cold-weather headaches later.
2. Change Your Air Filters
The winter season is notorious for bringing dust and debris inside from the outside. A clogged filter allows this dirt to pass through your system and back into the home, which poses an increased health risk for anyone with respiratory conditions.
The best way to avoid this issue is to change your filter regularly. This is an easy DIY task for most homeowners, even with the kids helping. Simply locate your air filter and remove any plastic coverings. Place a new one in the compartment, and ensure the arrows on it are pointing in the same direction as the ductwork that brings air into the unit.
Look at the label on your filter, which will usually indicate how long it should last. Van Deventer recommends using a higher quality HEPA filter with a MERV rating of at least eight or nine, which screens out smaller particles that cause asthma and allergies. These filters are also more effective at preventing build-up of dust, which will reduce the amount of time your system has to work.
3. Keep Your Exhaust Vents Clear
Keeping warm air in your home is easy with these DIY fixes that don’t require a professional. Caulking around windows and adding weather strips will keep cold air out, and warm air in!
The winter is a great time to check your exterior exhaust vents for blockages. Oftentimes, a blocked vent will cause the furnace to shut down. It may also introduce carbon monoxide into your home, a poisonous gas that can be fatal if inhaled.
While you’re checking your vents, be sure to look for weeds that are growing into the pipes. Also, be strategic when mowing your lawn – avoid pointing the blowers at the unit or grass clippings could get flung up against the coil and damage it. You might even want to cover the condenser with a piece of cardboard for protection.
4. Caulk Around Windows
Whimsical light displays, charming shops, and local traditions bring the spirit of Christmas to life in Chehalis. Whether you enjoy spending time at the holiday parade or taking in a free movie with the family, this town has something for everyone during the holidays.
Gaps around windows let cold air sneak into your house in winter, forcing your furnace to work overtime to compensate. In summer, these gaps let hot, conditioned air escape your home, raising utility bills. Sealing these leaks with caulking helps save energy throughout the year.
The type of caulking you use depends on the area and conditions. Exterior caulking should be weather-resistant and durable, with a color that blends well with your home’s exterior. For indoor areas that can get humid, choose mildew-fighting caulking.
If you have experience with DIY projects, caulking your windows is a great way to save money on energy costs. Otherwise, hiring a professional will ensure the best results.
Informative and practical advice! Keeping exhaust vents clear is something I need to pay more attention to. It’s easy to forget about these small details, but they can make a big difference in the efficiency of our heating systems.
The tips about caulking around windows are very helpful. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, and now I have more motivation to get it done. Thank you for the useful information!
Great tips! I’ll definitely be scheduling a professional inspection before winter arrives. It’s important to keep our homes warm and safe.
These are really helpful reminders for maintaining our HVAC systems during winter! It’s important to stay on top of these tasks to avoid any unexpected issues. Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate the reminder to caulk around windows. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to keep our homes comfortable and reduce energy costs. I’ll definitely be taking care of this before winter sets in.