As we approach winter, it is important to ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is to be stuck inside during a snowstorm with no heat. The best time to prepare for the winter is before it arrives. Here are the top HVAC tips for this fall to ensure your home stays comfortable the entire winter.
Check your Thermostat Settings
Though it may not always be as noticeable during the day, in the evenings and early mornings there is a clear shift in temperature. To save your HVAC unit from overworking and running up energy costs, take advantage of a programmable thermostat. This can be used to set the temperature during the times you’ll be away from the house and the times you’ll be at home. To save money on your utility bills, don’t worry about setting the temperature to your exact specifications when away from home. Instead, ensure your home stays at a safe temperature while you’re away. You can then program the thermostat to adjust to your favorite temperature before you arrive back home.
Even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat there are ways to save immensely during the winter months. Check out our blog post on winter thermostat tips here to learn more!
Change the Air Filter
At the very least, air filters should be changed twice a year. With the addition of pets or allergens, it’s best to change filters every couple of months. The air filter keeps dust and other debris from your HVAC system which can clog your burners and essential parts of your system. They also keep the air inside your home clean and healthy. If your filter is too full or too dirty, it will be unable to perform any of these important roles. A dirty air filter will also contribute to increased energy bills as your system is not able to work as efficiently.
Clean all Vents and Registers
A common misconception is that closing your vents saves you money. This is actually not true. Closing or blocking your vents can cause your bills to grow!
It is a good idea to take a look at your supply and return vents. Make sure they are not being blocked by furniture, décor, or carpeting. While you’re at it, give them a once over with a vacuum or dusting cloth. The debris they collect over the season can be drawn into your HVAC system and dispersed around your home which can be very unhealthy.
Weather Strip your Windows
Did you know you could be losing between 25% and 30% of your warm air through your unsealed windows? This may not seem like all that much to you – after all you’re still getting 65% to 75% of warmth. An article from Money.com warns that heating bills for 2022 could grow anywhere from 5%-50% due to the increased cost of fuel. Don’t let your energy bill get out of hand! Now is the time to weatherstrip your windows.
Clear the Area Around your Condenser
Don’t forget about your outdoor condenser! It is important to keep this clear of any debris that may have collected around it. In the fall, leaves can be an obvious issue. On top of this, various pests may also have made a home around the condenser seeking its warmth from the cooler weather.
Schedule a Heating Maintenance Inspection
Perhaps the most important HVAC tip for the fall is to schedule a maintenance inspection by a professional. Not all issues are obvious to the untrained eye, so a professional inspection could uncover problems that would leave you shivering in the winter.
Lowery Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure your heating system receives its proper maintenance year-round! Contact us now to ensure your HVAC unit is set to keep you comfortable this winter.
