Oh the weather outside is frightful…
… but inside, your HVAC system keeps things warm and comfortable!
At this time of year, your HVAC system works double-time to make sure you and your family (and all your festive visitors) are warm and comfortable. To keep your HVAC system functioning in peak condition, make sure you read these tips…
Tip #1. Always make sure your HVAC unit is well maintained. Instead of waiting for something to break and then dealing with the repairs (and how cold it can get in the meantime), invest in regular seasonal maintenance check-ups. This will alert you to any potential problems before they happen.
Tip #2. Clean your HVAC filter. Your HVAC filter traps dirt and debris to keep it from blowing into your home. But, the more that builds up in the filter, the harder your HVAC system has to work! Keep your furnace running efficiently by cleaning and replacing your filter regularly.
Tip #3. Have your fan and coils cleaned regularly, ideally before it gets too cold outside. When the furnace turns on, the dust on these components could burn off and you may smell a bit of smoke. If it happens briefly, it’s usually fine; however, if the smell persists, contact a licensed HVAC professional.
Tip #4. If your HVAC fresh air and exhaust pipes are near ground level, make sure they are clear and not blocked by leaves or ice.
Tip #5. Regularly check all your vents to make sure they aren’t blocked. Vents that are blocked could make your furnace work even harder to heat your home, they could leave cold spots in your home, or they could cause damage to whatever is blocking the vent.
Tip #6. At this time of year, when windows are closed and furnaces start to run, you may notice an increase in allergies as the warm air in the ducts starts to move dust that has been settled for a while. Consider having your ducts cleaned to keep allergies to a minimum.
Tip #7. Running your HVAC system can be costly! Installing a thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature based on a pre-determined schedule will allow you to lower the temperature slightly when everyone is asleep or nobody is home, and raise the temperature when everyone is at home. (Note: avoid shutting off your HVAC system for very long during the winter, especially if your temperatures drop below freezing—this could lead to frozen pipes that burst and cause a mess!)
Summary
This holiday season, the last thing you want to do is worry about whether you are warm and comfortable. Wouldn’t you rather sip hot chocolate in the comfort of a warm home? Of course you would! These 7 tips will help ensure that this festive season remains a comfortable one for you and your family.
