It’s common knowledge that proper maintenance is the key to keeping all machines in good shape and making them last longer. Your HVAC system is certainly no exception to that rule. Making sure your system is fine tuned to heat your home for winter is crucial to not only your comfort during those cold months, but it also ensures your system will be running for many more winters to come. In Atlanta, that means through 1st winter, fake spring, and 2nd winter.
In this article, we will guide you through some tips to make sure your HVAC system is ready to transition from the air conditioning of summer to the heating of winter.
1.Change Your Air Filter and Clean Your Vents
According to Popular Mechanics, one of the most common causes of an HVAC breakdown is accumulated dirt and dust in the filtering system. To make sure your system is as free of dirt and dust as possible, some simple things can be done year round to maintain the system.
Your air filter should be checked every month and be replaced no less than every 90 days. Additionally, check and clean the air vents throughout your home. Dust and dirt can accumulate here and create ventilation blockages.
2.Test Your Thermostat
As anyone who’s ever had a dad knows, a properly working thermostat could not only save you some winter discomfort, but it can also save you some money on your energy bills. Test your thermostat before the cold weather arrives by turning on your heat. Gauge how long it takes to feel a difference in your home. If it takes longer than you expect, you might want to look into installing a new thermostat.
3.Cover Your Outdoor A/C Condenser Unit
Simply turning off the A/C is not the only thing you need to do to make sure your A/C unit is winterized and ready to go when the heat returns. You should also cover your outdoor condenser unit to keep it free from debris and other elements during the winter. If you don’t have a cover, you can simply use a piece of plywood held down with bungee cords to protect it from ice and debris. (Make sure when you tie off the bungee cords you yell “3, 2, 1…bungeee!)
4.Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
These detectors are essential to making sure you and your family remain safe. Since carbon dioxide is odorless, these detectors are your last line of defense against carbon dioxide poisoning. Make sure they are at least 5 feet off the floor and are in proper working order.
5.Keep Furnace Area Clean
Since furnaces are often found in ideal storage spaces, there’s a good chance you have objects stored close to the furnace or boiler. Making sure you have proper airflow is important to ensuring your home is comfortable and that your equipment isn’t working any harder than it has to. Declutter the area around your furnace or boiler and make sure nothing is blocking your air duct registers or vents.
5.Get a Furnace Tune-Up
Even the most knowledgeable DIY-er should invest in a visit from a qualified furnace technician to look at the unit. They will be able to check for leaks in your ductwork and find and repair anything that might make your system less efficient.
6.Inspect Your Insulation
You’ll want to make sure that the insulation in your home is adequate enough to retain your home’s heat through the cold. You should also inspect that insulation along your ductwork. Inadequately insulated ducts can lead to heat loss making your HVAC system work twice as hard to maintain the desired temperature. Side note; Inadequately Insulated Ducks would be a great name for a Country/Cool Jazz hybrid band.
7.Don’t Be Afraid to Upgrade
A good rule of thumb when it comes to your HVAC system is that if it’s older than you are, it is probably time to upgrade to a new, high-efficiency system. Upgrading will help you save money in the long run by keeping you from shelling out big money on repairs and will help lower your energy bills. You will also have peace of mind knowing that should something go wrong, it is still under warranty.
If you’re looking to inspect and repair your own HVAC system to prepare it for winter, Northside Tool Rental can help. We have been proudly serving the metro Atlanta area since 1953, and we can serve you in 2020 and beyond. We have the tools you need to make fine-tuning your HVAC system easier including scissor lifts and material lifts at affordable prices. Contact us today to speak to one of our experts about how to make sure your system is ready for the cold weather ahead.