With winter fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about making preparations. In order to stay safe and warm during periods of heavy snow and wind, you must have a properly functioning HVAC system that can keep up with the sudden influx of frigid temperatures. Before the snow comes, you can do a few things to make sure that your HVAC system is up to snuff for the winter.
1. Get a Fall Tune-up
Before harsh weather rolls around, have your HVAC provider do a yearly inspection and tune-up of your heating system. This ensures that everything is in good working order and ready for the cold season. With small adjustments, your system will run more effectively, saving you money and making less of an impact on the environment. This tune-up will also ensure that your furnace is functioning well enough to keep up with the most frigid of temperatures.
2. Change Your Filters
Part of the maintenance work on your furnace involves the HVAC filter that removes dirt, dust, and other particles from the air in your home. You can change this filter yourself and should learn how to if you don’t already know. Changing your HVAC system’s filter once monthly during the winter will help your system function well during periods of extreme weather.
Another wise idea is to have a few filters on hand. This cuts down on trips to the store and ensures that you’ll have a spare in a blizzard.
3. Check Your Insulation
A home that is under-insulated is harder to heat than one that has sufficient protection. Your furnace will have to work harder to overcome the draftiness and other issues that come with too little insulation. First, take a walk around your home and check for air leaks. Common areas for these include cracks in between door and window frames. Seal these up and then take a trip to your attic. If you find that there seems to be little to no insulation, consider having some blown in to help weather through the winter.
4. Check Airflow
A steady airflow is essential to keep your furnace and HVAC system functioning as they should. Blockages make the system run harder and may even cause damage over time. The most common cause of airflow problems, other than a dirty HVAC filter, is vents that are either closed or covered. Check that all vents are set to open and not obstructed with furniture or other objects like piles of dirty laundry.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Your thermostat plays a vital role in the functioning of your heating system. Before winter comes, make sure that your thermostat is in good working order. Check that the temperature readings are accurate and that your furnace responds quickly when you make changes to the thermostat.
If you really want to make sure that your thermostat will help you get through some tough storms, consider getting a programmable model. These will help keep things safe, even if you’re not at home, since many newer thermostats can be adjusted remotely.
6. Make Necessary Repairs
Ignoring HVAC repairs is a recipe for disaster. One part malfunctioning often affects the system as a whole. The longer a repair is left to wait, the higher the chance that other parts become damaged as well. Total system failures also become more likely, a dangerous problem in winter. Have any repairs done, both minor and otherwise, before winter storms roll in.
7. Consider a Generator
If the power going out during storms is a regular occurrence in your area, investing in a generator may be a good option for you. Both whole-home and portable generators keep you safe and protected in the event of a snowstorm. Even if the power is out in the neighborhood, with a generator, you can relax in warmth and comfort. If you’re not sure which generator size is right for your home, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss your options with you!
At Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we love serving every one of our customers. Whether you’re in Fairfield, Fort Thomas, or Indian Hill, our expert HVAC services, from installation and repairs to yearly maintenance, are available for you.
