Winters can be harsh and unbearably cold with little relief from mother nature, yet they can also be stunning in their bareness. With the cold season around the corner, the demand for heating rises, as do its issues.
In this article, we present you with 11 winter HVAC tips to keep your heating system dandy and supremely functional and explain how Autumn Air can be your one point of contact for all your HVAC needs.
HVAC Maintenance Tips And Tricks For This Winter
Here are some of the most important HVAC tips for winter:
1. Remember to replace the filters
Over time, the air filter will get clogged, which will become an issue in particular when there is a lot of dust outdoors. The air filter will get clogged with dust, dirt, and other particles that need to be removed before it can function properly again. The buildup of these particles on a daily basis will cause your air conditioner to have to work considerably harder, which in turn will cause your energy bill to be much higher.
2. Schedule that maintenance promptly
A routine winter HVAC maintenance check can detect issues before they become unmanageable, and it can even reduce the amount of money you spend on your monthly energy bill. Taking care of your system will make it last longer and keep it in good shape.
3. Keep the unit clean
It is possible for debris such as leaves, grass, dirt, and even branches to make their way into your heating system. This may result in a slew of expensive issues, the worst of which is probably going to be that your appliance will completely break down.
4. Never shut the air vents
Contrary to what most people believe, shutting off the air vents will not help you save money on your energy bill. Because of the substantial increase in the pressure load, it is really one of the worst things that you could do to your heating and air conditioning equipment.
By closing the vents, not only do you prevent the flow of cold air, but you also significantly reduce the performance levels of the unit.
5. Set the right temperature
The temperature that you decide to set on the thermostat will primarily depend on how comfortable you want to be; nevertheless, most systems have a certain temperature range in which they operate most effectively and with the least amount of wasteful energy use.
You may be able to figure it out by looking at the appliance’s handbook, or you could ask your service expert to assist you in locating the temperature that uses the least amount of energy.
6. Protect the exterior unit of your system
If you think there will be snow or ice, you might want to build a cover for your outside unit. You shouldn’t completely cover your unit because doing so could trap moisture and cause corrosion, and this is one of the most important HVAC tips for winter.
Protecting the fan while preventing the unit from being turned off entirely is the goal here. In the event that the fan freezes, the device won’t be able to function as intended. It will keep attempting to start up indefinitely until it finally gives up and dies. You could build a canopy-like structure to protect your outdoor unit from the harsh winter weather.
7. Proper insulation equals optimum performance
Regardless of whether it’s summer or wintertime, you should make sure that your home has a reliable weather seal by shutting all of the doors and windows and making sure that you have solid weatherproofing around the perimeter of the house. You may also want to think about getting newer, more energy-efficient windows and doors for your home so that you don’t lose cooled or heated air through them.
8. Air ducts are crucial
The air ducts could start to leak, which may result in significant financial losses. In fact, leaking ductwork might result in an increase in costs of up to thirty percent, as stated by Energy Star. This implies that the price of your electricity will increase by an additional thirty cents for every dollar that you spend.
9. Keep leeway around the unit
It is recommended that you remove any obstructions and prune any branches of any shrubs or trees that are located close to the outside of the apartment. The normal amount of space that has to be kept away from your air conditioning unit is around 12 inches.
Keeping the area around your unit clear of things will help it last as long as possible and prevent other complex problems from arising.
10. Observe the flame
If you want to make sure your furnace is working properly, you should make sure the flame has a bright blue hue. A blue flame is an indication that the combustion process is going correctly. If you look at the furnace and see that it has long yellow or orange streaks, this is a sign that you need to get it serviced by a good HVAC professional.
11. Ensure that CO detector always works
A carbon monoxide detector is a vital piece of safety equipment for houses that have heating systems that rely on combustion, such as those that use natural gas or fuel oil. If there is a leak in the exhaust system, not enough ventilation, too much gas flow, or another problem, the CO alarm could save your life.
Carbon monoxide detectors must be checked once a month as part of HVAC winter maintenance to make sure they are working well and replaced right away if they need to be.
Autumn Air is just a call away
Maintaining a functional HVAC system calls for careful care and servicing. The HVAC tips for winter provided in this article will assist you in maintaining your system in top-notch condition.
However, if you have any major problems or if the situation is too big for you to tackle on your own, don’t hesitate to call Autumn Air, a reputable HVAC company with years of expertise.
You can directly call (602) 266-5247 or schedule the service here.
