Instead of being caught off guard by the first cold winds of fall, schedule your HVAC system’s required HVAC winter prep early. Both you and your HVAC contractor will have more time to do a thorough inspection, with time to spare to address unforeseen issues.
Change the air filter
The filter is the heating system’s first line of defense against airborne particulates, and it’s your best protection from high heating bills. When the filter gets too dirty, it will deposit dust throughout the heating system, reducing its efficiency and harming all the parts.
When you’re replacing the filter, be sure it’s the right size and type for your system. Some homeowners stockpile extra filters and keep at least one in plain view to remind them to check it periodically.
Check the registers
Be sure that nothing is blocking the supply and return registers. Besides reducing the comfort in the rooms where they’re blocked, closed registers interfere with the air pressure inside the ductwork and the air handler.
As you check each room, wipe away the dust from the register covers to improve air flow and quality. If you notice dust deposits on or around the registers, you may have a duct leak leading to that area. It’s important to seal that break before the heating season starts to maintain high air quality and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Schedule a tune-up
It’s especially important for HVAC professionals to inspect gas furnaces and boilers as part of winter prep for optimum safety, efficiency and dependability. They’ll check all the gas lines, make sure the flue or chimney is clear, and clean the parts. The ignition components may need cleaning, as well as the burner and heat exchanger.
Some blower motors need oiling and their belts may need changing or tightening. The technician will also calibrate the thermostat, if necessary. Without a working thermostat, your system won’t turn on.
Besides lowering your energy bills, HVAC winter prep for the system helps it run more dependably and safely. To learn more, contact Ace Hardware Home Services, providing HVAC services for Dayton-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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