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 planning for the winter weather ahead. Cold weather adds additional demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will be doing, routine HVAC maintenance should be on your fall chore list. It’s vital for your system to run efficiently in order to reduce the probability of repairs at an inconvenient or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a skilled technician from Service Experts shares five questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready.
1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?
As soon as the cold hits the area, many businesses give preference to repairs over maintenance calls. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold means that you’ll have your system ready for the season. It’s also beneficial to look for a contractor who employs qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further vet a contractor, ask what’s included in their tune-up. Here are a few must-haves:
- Cleaning burners and ignition components
- Testing safeties
- Inspecting the heat exchanger
- Cleaning and flushing drain lines
- Checking air filters
- Testing thermostats
2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?
Summer is a busy time, which means it’s easy to forget to replace your HVAC system’s air filter. Filters capture dust, pet hair and other airborne debris, so replacing a dirty filter with a clean one improves 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 remarked. “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 control center for your furnace. You’ll want to make sure it’s in proper running order by changing it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if appropriate. Now, you’ll want to turn it on and listen for any strange noises or clues the system is struggling to engage.
If the furnace is older, a smart thermostat is a valuable product to own. It can save you up to 20% on each year’s electricity bill. Whereas a programmable thermostat adjusts settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also factors in your behavior. Most models can be linked to your smartphone so that changes can be made remotely. For additional safety, more sophisticated models may be linked to smoke alarms and be controlled by voice commands, in addition to other useful features.
“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson noted. “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 colder weather sets in can save you a headache later. Not only could leaks cause drafts, making your living space unpleasant, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and increase your heating costs.
If you detect an air leak ahead of time, you can take preventative actions before winter hits, such as:
- Replacing old weatherstripping to make sure doors and windows are fully sealed.
- Re-caulking any cracks.
- Closing the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it.
“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. homes need more insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a direct impact on your heating system, which will be forced to work harder to keep up during times of very hot or cold temperatures. Autumn is an ideal time to think about adding insulation, if you think your home needs more. But how can you tell when your home needs more insulation?
“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson explained. “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 schedule a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.