Winter weather is here. Time for your home heating system to do its thing. Now is not the time to discover that there’s a problem that will affect your furnace’s ability to keep your home warm and cozy during the cold weather season. We’ve put together a handy winter HVAC maintenance guide to help you rest assured that your furnace will be in top working order all season long:
1. Upgrade your thermostat
Do your HVC system a favor by upgrading to a modern programmable thermostat. These models are more effective and more efficient than older type thermostats. You don’t have to worry about always remembering to re-set your thermostat. With a programmable model, you can just “set it and forget it.” Program a lower temperature for nighttime when everyone is in bed or during daytime hours when no one will be home. Increase the temperature a bit when everyone is home. By downloading a free app onto your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or other electronic device, you can even program the settings on your thermostat when you are away from home. Your home will be comfortable all the time, and you will cut the costs of your utility bills.
2. Protect the outdoor part of your HVAC system
You can easily forget to take care of the part of your HVAC system that is located outside. It’s easy to forget all about it unless it needs repair work done. The fact is that this part of your HVAC unit needs special care since It’s outside and therefore, exposed to extreme weather conditions and the elements all year long. This leaves it more prone to damage than the indoor components of your system. Buy a sturdy, weatherproof cover to protect the outdoor portion of your HVAC’s A/C system. They are sold at most home improvement and hardware stores. This will protect your outdoor system from the buildup of debris and exposure to snow, rain, ice, etc.
3. Insulate your home
The insulation in your home plays a vital role in helping your HVAC system to keep your home warm when the weather is cold and cool when hot weather arrives. Although the insulation isn’t located near your HVAC 937system, it is just as important as any physical component of your HVAC system. Your home’s attic must have an adequate amount of insulation to be able to maintain the temperatures inside in any weather conditions. Call Springboro Heating & Cooling (937) 600-6834 and let us schedule an appointment with one of our certified HVAC specialists. Our technician will inspect the levels and condition of the insulation present in your home. If more insulation is required or if it needs to be replaced, we can help.
4. Don’t neglect your furnace’s air filter
As part of your preparation for the arrival of cold weather, replace the air filter in your furnace with a brand new, clean one. If you did this at the end of last winter, then it most likely won’t need to be done again, but check the filter to be sure it is clean and ready for the cold-weather season ahead. Air filters are inexpensive and generally need to be changed only once during the season. Even so, it is important to check it at least once a month throughout the season, and if it is dirty, change it. This is one of the easiest and most important ways you can take care of your HVAC system and keep it working great. If the air filter gets clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, then clean air won’t be able to pass through. Your furnace will become overheated from continuously trying to force the air through the dirty filter. This can severely damage your HVAC system. By simply performing a bit of easy DIY maintenance by swapping out the dirty air filter for a clean one will keep your furnace working its best and keep the air in your home warm and clean.
5. Schedule a yearly inspection and cleaning for your HVAC system
Have an annual inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system done by a certified professional prior to the onset of winter. An inspection will allow the technician to spot any problems or issues that could become problems if left uncorrected, and repairs can be made to prevent trouble. A professional cleaning includes all of your system’s airways and ductwork. Accumulated dust and dirt from the months when your furnace wasn’t in use can cause a nasty burning smell when you turn on your furnace for the first time when cold weather returns. That is the smell of the dirt burning off. A professional cleaning will prevent the unpleasant burning odor.
Springboro Heating & Cooling is always available to ensure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature is going to send your way. Give us a call at (937) 600-6834 or visit us on the web at https://springboroheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now/ today to schedule an appointment for a complete inspection and cleaning.