The hours of sunlight are a little bit shorter each day. That means it’s time to get your home ready for the change of seasons. In many areas, you’ll need some heat in your home when the leaves turn color. Let’s be sure that your HVAC system is ready for its new role.
Here are five ways to prepare your HVAC system for the winter season.
1. Change your Filters
Throughout the heat of the summer season, your air conditioner has cooled your home and done a great job for you. All the hours that your HVAC operated, its air filters were removing contaminants from the air, so you and your family could breathe in better quality air. Clogged air filters cause your system to have to work harder, which makes it less effective. This strain can cause damage to your system.
Step one of your winter HVAC preparations is to change your air filters.
2. Perform a Visual Inspection
Next, you should visually check the area around your heating unit. Your furnace needs space around it, so the air flows with obstruction. Create at least a three-foot area encompassing your entire unit that is free of clutter that might have accumulated over the summer.
Also make sure that your vents are also clutter-free. Remove any furniture, carpeting, or other belongings that may have slid in front of or over your vents.
3. Turn on your Heat
A third step to get your HVAC system winterized is to turn on the furnace. Many professionals will recommend that you perform this task three times during the summer. So, mark your calendars! It’s much easier to discover issues with your heat when you don’t need it, instead of on the first cold day of winter.
4. Install or Reprogram a Smart Thermostat
If you do not already have a programmable thermostat, now is a great time to purchase one. Check with your professional HVAC technician for suggestions on the type of thermostat and features that will best complete your HVAC system. You can choose to install the thermostat yourself or ask your HVAC service person for assistance.
If you have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to check on how you have it programmed. Different settings can save you energy and lessen the usage of your heating unit, which can extend its longevity. The heat temperature can be reduced during the day if no one will be at home. Then you can set the temperature to be increased about a half an hour before anyone returns to your house.
5. Schedule a Tune-up
Hire a professional to perform a tune-up on your heating unit. Schedule this visit before the winter season when technicians may be repairing units that are not working. An annual service call for each fall season will provide time for your qualified HVAC service person to inspect and recalibrate your unit. If parts are needed, there will be sufficient time to order and install them before the first snow.
