Winter weather is upon us! Many weather services and news outlets give us tips to help us better prepare when we are face with periods of cold weather. They typically include the following recommendations:
- Remain updated on weather forecasts: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you’ll know when to expect cold weather.
- Adjust your schedule: If possible, avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
- Protect your pets, livestock and other property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they are not overly exposed to extreme cold and have plenty of food and water that has not frozen. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze and know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
- Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.
- Update your winter car survival kit: Keep essentials in your car such as a flashlight, first aid kit, radio, shovel, jumper cables, and cat litter or sand.
When temperatures start dropping, taking care of yourself and family is important, but so is taking care of your home. You need an HVAC system you can rely on to keep you warm and that calls for proper preparation before the cold season comes to reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns. At MainStream Heating and Cooling, our HVAC contractor can inspect your system and perform preventative maintenance to keep it running in optimum condition. Here are five ways to prepare your HVAC system for winter:
Replace the Air Filter
The work of your furnace’s air filter is to capture dust, dirt, and other pollutants in the air. A clogged air filter blocks the airflow, making your HVAC system work harder and use more energy. This can lead to premature wear and tear of the system and cost you more on your energy bills. Replace your air filter before the cold weather sets in to allow proper airflow through the system and into your home. A clean filter also helps keep indoor air quality healthy. You can handle this task yourself or have your HVAC contractor do it as they perform other maintenance tasks.
Clean Air Vents
Air vents are prone to dust and debris build-up from everyday use. Cleaning them can help improve airflow throughout your home, reducing strain on the system and improving energy efficiency. Clean vents also help improve the indoor air quality in your home, reducing the risk of allergies. Blockages in the air vents may also cause loud noises when the HVAC system is running. A thorough cleaning can help reduce these sounds and keep the system quiet.
Check for Leaks and Seal Them
If there are any gaps in the ductwork, cold air can get sucked in, and warm air from your home can escape. That reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system, as it has to work harder to maintain the desired temperatures. Inspect the ducts and seal any cracks or leaks to prevent warm air from escaping. You can do that using metal tape or mastic sealant. Duct tape isn’t suitable, as it will only stick to the metal for a short time. An experienced HVAC contractor can inspect the entire system and seal any air leaks for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Inspect Your Thermostat
Programmable thermostats let you set temperatures for different times of the day. This energy-efficient tool allows you to turn down the temperature when no one is home. An outdated or malfunctioning thermostat may cause improper temperature control, leading to higher utility bills. Have an HVAC contractor inspect your thermostat to determine whether it’s working correctly. A professional may also install a smart thermostat that lets you control your home temperature remotely for added convenience.
Get Professional Furnace Repair and Maintenance
Your heating system operates under a lot of stress during the winter season. A professional can inspect the system and repair any issues that could cause breakdowns. They can listen to the system to detect any sounds that may indicate a problem and fix it. They may also inspect the wiring, lubricate moving parts, clean the burners and blower components, and perform other tasks for optimal performance. You can expect us at MainStream Heating and Cooling to conduct comprehensive preventative maintenance to verify that each part works as it should and keep your HVAC system running efficiently all winter.
Get Your HVAC System Winter-ready With an Experienced HVAC Contractor
If you want to get your heating system ready for cold weather, contact MainStream Heating and Cooling today for expert furnace repair and maintenance services. Our experienced HVAC technicians can inspect and repair your system to minimize the chances of breakdowns during winter. Scheduling maintenance early can save you money in energy costs and help you stay warm when temperatures drop. Contact us today to book an appointment with a professional HVAC contractor.