HVAC Winter Maintenance Guide To Reduce Repairs

Dec 10, 2018Air Conditioning, Blog

Is your home ready for the cold winter weather?

There are lots of things you can do to make sure your HVAC system is running in tip top shape. As a homeowner you should be doing everything you can to make sure that is happening. You do not want to get caught this winter with a subpar HVAC system because you WILL see it in your bills.  

If you’ve had rough winter seasons in the past due to problems with your HVAC system, then you have come to the right place! We’ve put together this quick list of HVAC winter maintenance tips to help keep your house warm this winter:

 

Minimize Drafts

Go through your house and take note of any drafts that you feel. Drafts are generally caused by bad seals in windows and doors, and will make it very difficult to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.

These are easily fixed by adding rubber seals to door frames and window seals. Spend a few hours tackling this project and you will notice a difference in the efficacy of your HVAC system. Here are 8 simple ways to get rid of drafts in your home.

Bundle Up

Wear warm clothes around the house and encourage your family members to do the same. This will reduce the amount of heating you will need to keep your family comfortable which will minimize the wear and tear on your system.

Replace Air Filters

Air filters don’t last as long as you’d think. It’s a good idea to change them before the cold season begins, and check it often throughout it. A bad air filter will reduce the efficiency of your heating system and will put more stress on it. It can also be bad for your family’s health so it’s a good idea to change it frequently.

Is It Time For A New System?

Before the season begins, consider having a new HVAC system installed. Find out how long it’s been since the current system was installed, and if it was more than 10 years ago, it may be time to get a new one.

Old, outdated HVAC systems on average run at 40-50% efficiency, where a new system will run at 97%. This can be costing you a fortune in the winter, and it will be worth it to have it replaced in the long run. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider getting a new system.

Fire Prevention

Make sure there are no flammable objects near or covering your registers because they can get very hot while you run your system. If you decide to run space heaters, which will cost more by the way, be sure to run them safely.

DO NOT plug them into extension cords and make sure that any outlet you are running them though is in proper working order. Space heaters are notorious for starting fires, and if you decide to run them this year, do so with caution!

Schedule An HVAC Inspection

Before the cold season really hits, schedule an HVAC inspection with Ventwerx, and we will check your system for efficiency and safety. If this hasn’t been done in a few years, it would be very smart to do so ASAP, because you could have significant problems with your system without even knowing it!

If you have any reason to believe there is a problem with your HVAC system, contact us and we can set up an appointment to come out and check out your system. It will pay off, in the long run, to not put off those problems.

 

 

Watch Your Energy Bills

If your energy bills are running higher than normal, there is likely a problem with your HVAC system, causing it to run at low efficiency. This winter, keep a close eye on your energy usage and compare it to years in the past if possible.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, first check your air filter. If that isn’t the problem, get a professional out to check on your system. It may seem like an needless expense, but it will pay off when your problem is fixed and your bills start to get lower.

Depending on what type of climate you live in, winter can be brutal. Don’t get caught this cold season with a low efficiency heater that will spike up your energy costs and generally malfunction.

Show your HVAC system some love by following these winter HVAC tips and it will take care of you when you need it the most.

 

 

For more information, or to schedule a professional HVAC inspection, click here.