With the fall nearing its end, it’s time to prepare yourself and your home for the upcoming winter season. This includes getting your HVAC system checked, repaired, and ready for the seasonal switch. Many homeowners take this for granted, and as a result, pay for expensive repairs afterward.
If you want to avoid hassles in the future due to a malfunctioning HVAC system, it is best to get it repaired now. Here’s a winter HVAC maintenance checklist for you to ensure that your home’s heating is functioning properly and keeping you warm during the colder months.
Check Furnace
Start by ticking off the maintenance of your furnace from your checklist. Clean your system’s air filters regularly and get them checked by professionals at least once in three months. With dirty air filters, furnaces have to work harder to circulate air, which in turn may lead to unexpected breakdowns.
Check Thermostat
It is a good idea to test the accuracy of your thermostat before the winter starts. The ideal temperature of a thermostat should be in between 68 and 72 degrees. Check and calibrate using a mercury thermometer if needed, and verify if the on and off button of your furnace is working properly.
Check And Tighten Electrical Connections
Make sure to check and tighten the electrical connections of your HVAC equipment. If left loose or faulty, they may prove hazardous when your system is operating, and can potentially reduce your system’s lifespan.
Clean Vents And Ducts
First, check your vents and ducts for leakage and dirt. Then clean them properly and vacuum out any dust or hair from the previous season. Continue to clean your vents on a regular basis to avoid a buildup, as it may affect the system’s efficiency.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly. Since carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it is hard to detect. However, inhaling the gas can be very harmful. Check the detectors regularly for any defects, and replace their batteries from time to time.
Check For Drafts
A drafty window can be really damaging to your HVAC system. As the cold air enters your home through those drafts, your heating equipment needs to work harder to maintain the optimum temperature. This results in higher energy bills, and in many cases, unexpected system breakdowns.
Lubricate Your System
It is necessary to lubricate the moving parts of your system to avoid friction in the motors. There are several moving parts in both your furnace and air conditioner like a blower motor that needs oiling to function smoothly.
Check All Gas And Oil Connections
Give your entire system a thorough check, especially the gas and oil connections. Check the gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger for any leaks and damages.
Know When To Call The Pros
In most cases, homeowners may not have the required experience or knowledge to clean an HVAC system properly. Because of this, it is best to hire an HVAC expert who can perform a detailed check on your system and ensure that it is functioning efficiently. Regular inspections are recommended, especially before winter, to remedy minor repairs before they become serious concerns.
By simply following the steps mentioned above, you can keep your HVAC system running throughout the winter. If you need professional services for your HVAC system, our experts at Mid Atlantic Heating & Cooling can help you. We can fix any issues that are affecting the performance of your heating units!
