5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

With autumn around the corner, homeowners will soon be planning for the winter weather ahead. Cold weather adds even more demand on your HVAC system. To prepare your heating system for the heavy work it will need to do, routine HVAC maintenance should be on your fall checklist. It’s vital for your system to run efficiently in order to reduce the risk of repairs at an inconvenient or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, a knowledgeable professional from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when considering furnace maintenance.

1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?

Once the cold hits the area, many contractors 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 beneficial to look for a contractor whose team consists of qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further evaluate a contractor, ask what’s included in their furnace maintenance. 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 change your HVAC system’s air filter. Filters catch dust, pet hair and other airborne debris, so exchanging a dirty filter with a clean one improves 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 said. “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 nerve center of your furnace. You’ll want 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 necessary. Now, it’s time to turn it on and listen for any strange noises or indications the system is struggling to start.

If your equipment is getting older, a smart thermostat is a practical purchase. It can save you up to 20% on your yearly electricity bill. While a programmable thermostat modifies settings based on the time of day, a smart thermostat also takes into account your behavior. Most brands can be connected to your smartphone so that adjustments can be made when you aren’t home. For added safety, more sophisticated smart thermostats may be connected to smoke alarms and respond to voice commands, in addition to other convenient features.

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

Inspecting your doors and windows for air leaks before the cold weather settles in can save you a lot of stress later. Not only could leaks cause drafts, making your living space unpleasant, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your furnace to work harder and increase your heating bills.

If you detect an air leak in the fall, you can take preventative actions before winter hits, such as:

• Replacing old weatherstripping to make sure doors and windows are totally sealed.
• Re-caulking any cracks.
• Closing the fireplace damper when you aren’t using it.

“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” noted 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?

Around 90% of U.S. households need more insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a direct impact on your heating system, which will have to work harder to keep up during times of extreme temperatures. Autumn is an ideal time to think about adding insulation, if you think your home needs more. But how do you know if your residence needs more insulation?

“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson explained. “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 schedule a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.