Well, here we are again — in the midst of the winter season! All across the country, heating systems are laboring around the clock to keep homes and businesses warm and comfortable.
And while your heating system is working so intensely, you want to be confident you are giving it all the “tender love and care” it demands to perform at its peak until warmer weather arrives once again.
To show you precisely what you need to do to care for your heating system throughout the bitter cold of winter, we at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air compiled the following Winter HVAC Maintenance Guide.
1. Change Your Air Filter
When your air filter gets dirty and clogged, and you haven’t replaced it in a while, it’s going to make your furnace work harder than it needs to. This can needlessly rev up your energy expenses. Renew your air filter at the beginning of the cooling season, then prepare to do the same each proceeding month.
2. Clean Around Your Air Vents
Keep your home clean by vacuuming regularly, but include your air vents each time. Including your air vents when you vacuum helps to stop blockages and avert indoor air quality issues. It will also help you sustain a comfy temperature level everywhere in your home.
On the other hand, if you see an excessive accumulation of dirt and dust around your air vents, think about scheduling an air duct cleaning to eliminate the grit and grime that’s made its way inside these vents.
3. Beef Up On Insulation
Although insulation might not seem like it’s an essential component of your HVAC system, it actually performs a vital role in the system’s overall effectiveness. Examine the insulation in your attic and guarantee there is a sufficient amount. If you are not sure how much insulation your home requires, have one of our trusted HVAC technicians check it out for expert guidance.
4. Inspect Your Thermostat
Ensure your thermostat contains new batteries, and that you have it set according to your winter comfort needs. We suggest setting your thermostat at a slightly lower temp during the night, and while you’re at work, to save on energy. Turn it up while you are at home. And, if you don’t have one already, winter is a great time to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will help you manage your settings on the most efficient levels all winter long.
5. Wrap Up You Outdoor AC Unit
Cover up your exterior AC unit when you are confident you will not need it anymore for the season. You can find a quality, inexpensive exterior unit cover at your local hardware store. It will help shield the AC from all the ice, snow, and debris buildup of a long Montgomery County winter.
6. Schedule an Inspection
Last but not least, you should schedule an annual inspection. If you did not have a professional inspection performed in the fall, this is now the time to do it. In a heating tune-up, an HVAC specialist will go to your residence and scrutinize your heating system to find any signs of wear and tear that requires servicing. An inspection will also incorporate cleaning and optimizing the furnace so it will run at its best.
If you haven’t had an inspection yet, please give Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air a call today at 937-502-3842 or schedule an appointment online now at https://ketteringoakwoodheatingandair.com/schedule-now/.
