As winter sets in, it’s essential to make sure your home stays warm and cozy. Ensuring your HVAC system is in peak condition can make all the difference between a comfortable season and unexpected heating problems. From improving efficiency to avoiding costly breakdowns, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your system running smoothly all winter.
Check and Replace Air Filters
HVAC filters protect your heating system by preventing dirt and debris from entering it and causing damage to its internal components. They also play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne pollutants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, when filters become clogged, they restrict airflow.
This makes your system work harder to heat your home, which can raise your energy bills and wear out your equipment faster. Checking and replacing filters when needed is a simple yet impactful way to keep your system running smoothly. If your home experiences a lot of dust and pet dander, or if you live with someone with allergies, consider changing filters more frequently. Clean filters help maintain air quality and ensure warm air circulates freely, keeping your home consistently comfortable.
Monitor Thermostat Settings
Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees when you’re asleep or away from home can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bill. Consider a smart thermostat for even more convenience and energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats let you create a schedule. Some models even learn your habits, adjusting temperatures automatically to match your lifestyle. This keeps your home at an ideal temperature when needed without overworking your HVAC system when you’re not around. Additionally, if your thermostat is near drafty windows or in direct sunlight, consider relocating it to a central, neutral area for more accurate readings.
Keep the Area Around Key Components Clear
Keeping the area around your HVAC system free from clutter and debris is essential. For indoor components, items stored too close can block airflow, leading to overheating and potentially causing a fire hazard.
For outdoor units, such as those that are used for heat pumps, it’s critical to keep at least two feet of clearance around the equipment. Clear away any leaves, branches, or debris to ensure proper ventilation. Ensuring your HVAC system has adequate airflow will improve performance and enhance safety.
Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Leaks in your ductwork can lead to significant energy loss, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to compensate. Over time, joints and seams in your ductwork may develop gaps, allowing warm air to escape before it reaches your living areas. Conduct a quick inspection of visible ducts in attics, basements, and crawl spaces, looking for any noticeable gaps or disconnected sections. Sealing these leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape can greatly improve your system’s efficiency. If you suspect more extensive duct issues or lack the expertise, consider hiring a professional to assess and seal your ductwork. Properly sealed ducts can reduce energy waste, ensuring more warm air reaches the rooms that need it most.
Schedule a Professional Inspection and Tune-Up
Annual professional maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your HVAC system in excellent working condition. A licensed technician can inspect, clean, and adjust various components, ensuring everything operates smoothly.
During a tune-up, professionals check elements like your system’s heat exchanger, blower motor, and ignition system to ensure they function properly and safely. They can also detect potential issues early, allowing you to address them before they become costly problems. For outdoor units, technicians may inspect refrigerant levels and clean the coils, which are essential for efficient operation.
Test Your System Before Winter
Before winter weather sets in, test your HVAC system to ensure it functions properly. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature and see how the system responds; look for any unusual noises, smells, or lack of warm air. Early system testing helps you find and fix problems before you need dependable heating. If you encounter any problems, it’s best to call a professional sooner rather than later to avoid delays during peak repair season.
Check Airflow Movement
Blocked vents can reduce the overall efficiency of your HVAC system and cause certain areas to feel chilly. Ensure the supply vents in your home are fully open. Also, remove any household items, like drapes and area rugs, that may be blocking them.
Natural Warmth Through Sunlight
You can reduce the burden on your HVAC system by taking advantage of sunlight. On clear days, open curtains or blinds on south-facing windows to allow sunshine to warm your house naturally. Sunlight streaming in can raise indoor temperatures a few degrees, allowing your system to cycle less frequently.
In the evening, close the curtains to help retain warmth. This simple step complements your HVAC system by leveraging free, natural energy and can add to the coziness of your home during colder months.
Carbon Monoxide and Venting
Any fuel-burning HVAC system risks carbon monoxide (CO) leakage, making it essential to have functional carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed to ensure they’re ready in an emergency. Installing detectors on each floor, especially near bedrooms, is also a good idea. In addition, inspect your system’s venting for any obstructions that could prevent exhaust gases from escaping. Blocked vents or damaged flue pipes can cause dangerous fumes to accumulate indoors. Keeping your CO detectors in good working order and ensuring clear ventilation pathways can help protect your household from this invisible, odorless gas.
Avoid Short Cycling
Short cycling, where your HVAC system frequently turns on and off, is a sign that your system is struggling to maintain the set temperature. Short cycling wears out components faster and reduces general efficiency, which results in higher energy bills. If you find your system cycling on and off in brief intervals, it’s best to investigate or call a professional to evaluate the issue. A clogged air filter, thermostat problems, or an oversized unit can all cause this problem.
Review Your Energy Bills
Keeping an eye on your energy bills throughout the winter can help you identify any potential problems with your HVAC system. If your heating bills are going up for no apparent reason, it could mean that your system is working harder than it should.
Factors like aging equipment, clogged filters, or duct leaks might be contributing to decreased efficiency. Regularly reviewing your bills gives you a sense of your typical energy usage and can alert you to subtle issues before they turn into major repairs. Addressing these issues optimizes your HVAC system and prevents unnecessary costs.
Contact Us Today
At Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air, we have been serving the residents of the greater Charleston area since 2014. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. We can also help with all your plumbing and indoor air quality needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable team members.