5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

With autumn coming soon, homeowners will soon be preparing for the winter months ahead. Cold weather adds additional demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your heating unit for the heavy work it will be doing, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your fall checklist. It’s vital for your system to perform efficiently in order to reduce the risk of repairs at an inopportune or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, an experienced technician from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when preparing your furnace for winter.

1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?

Once the cold hits the area, many businesses focus on repairs over maintenance appointments. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold ensures that you will be ready for the season. It’s also important to look for a contractor whose team consists of qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further evaluate a contractor, ask what’s included in their routine furnace checks. Here are a few must-haves:

• Cleaning burners and ignition components
• Testing safeties
• Inspecting the heat exchanger
• Cleaning and flushing drain lines
• Examining air filters
• Testing thermostats

2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?

Summer can get hectic, which means it’s easy to forget to change your HVAC system’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne irritants, so replacing a dirty filter with a clean one enhances your system’s operational efficiency and boosts indoor air quality.

“When you don’t replace the filter, the system needs to work harder to pull in air, which can lead to early failure,” Carson remarked. “Some homeowners will choose a cheap fiberglass filter. They’re less expensive, but pleated filters trap more dust and particles. On the other hand, some can be too thick and restrictive. During your tune-up, ask the technician to suggest which filter is best for your system.”

3. Is My Thermostat Ready for Winter?

Your thermostat is the control center for your furnace. You’ll want to make sure it’s in proper running order by flipping it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if required. At this point, you should turn it on and listen for any strange noises or clues the system is struggling to engage.

If you have an older system, a smart thermostat is a useful purchase. It can save you up to 20% annually on your power bill. Whereas a programmable thermostat adjusts settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also factors in your behavior. Most designs can be paired with your smartphone so that adjustments can be made even if you are away. For increased safety, more sophisticated models may be linked to smoke alarms and be controlled by voice commands, in addition to other useful features.

“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson remarked. “The learning curve will be long forgotten once you start enjoying the convenience and energy savings it offers.”

4. Do I Have Any Air Leaks?

Inspecting your doors and windows for air leaks before the cold weather sets in can save you a hassle later. Not only does this cause drafts, making your living space unpleasant, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your furnace to work harder and increase your utility bills.

If you notice an air leak in the fall, you can take preventative steps before winter approaches, including:

• Replacing old weatherstripping to make sure doors and windows are totally sealed.
• Re-caulking any cracks.
• Closing the fireplace damper when it’s not being used.

“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” explained Carson. “Take the time now to make sure your home is ready so you’re not paying for it later.”

5. Is the Insulation in My Home Ready for Winter?

About 90% of U.S. households don’t have enough insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a significant impact on your HVAC system, which will have to work harder to keep up during times of extremely hot or cold weather. Autumn is an excellent time to look into adding insulation, if you think your home needs it. But what are the signs your property needs more insulation?

“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson noted. “Adding more will probably save you another 20% on your energy bill. Inconsistent room temperatures and drafts could also be signs of poor insulation. Services like blower door testing, home energy audits and infrared cameras can help determine where your home may need more insulation as well.”

To learn more about HVAC maintenance or to arrange a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.