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 planning for the cold months ahead. Cold weather adds additional demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your heating system for the heavy work it will be doing, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your fall checklist. It’s essential for your system to operate efficiently in order to reduce the risk of repairs at an inopportune or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a knowledgeable specialist 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 companies prioritize repairs over maintenance appointments. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold assures that you will be ready for the season. It’s also important to look for a contractor who employs qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further check into 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 gets busy, which means it’s easy to forget to swap out your HVAC system’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne debris, so exchanging a dirty filter with a clean one enhances your system’s operational efficiency and promotes 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 explained. “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 brain of your HVAC system. It’s important to make sure it’s in proper running order by switching it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if they are drained. At this point, it’s time to turn it on and listen for any strange noises or clues the system is struggling to engage.

If the furnace is older, a smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment. It can save you up to 20% on each year’s power bill. Whereas a programmable thermostat adjusts settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also considers your behavior. Most designs can be paired with your smartphone so that modifications can be made even if you are away. For even more safety, more sophisticated smart thermostats may be joined with your smoke alarms and respond to voice commands, among other convenient features.

“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson noted. “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?

Looking over your doors and windows for air leaks before the cold weather settles in can save you a headache later. Not only can it cause drafts, making your living space uncomfortable, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and increase your heating costs.

If you detect an air leak ahead of time, you can take preventative measures before winter arrives, including:

• Replacing old weatherstripping so doors and windows are totally sealed.
• Re-caulking any cracks.
• Closing the fireplace damper when not in use.

“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” said 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. residences need more insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a big impact on your furnace, which will be forced to work harder to keep up during times of extreme temperatures. Autumn is an outstanding time to look into adding insulation, if you think your home needs it. But what are the signs your home 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/.