5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

With autumn on the horizon, homeowners will soon be preparing for the winter weather ahead. Cold weather places additional demand on your heating and cooling system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will be doing, scheduled HVAC maintenance should be on your fall chore list. It’s vital for your system to perform efficiently in order to reduce the probability of repairs at an inopportune or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, an experienced professional from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when considering furnace maintenance.

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

As soon as the cold sets in, many businesses give preference to repairs over maintenance calls. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold ensures that it will be ready for the season. It’s also worthwhile 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 vet 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
• Checking air filters
• Testing thermostats

2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?

Summer is a busy time, which means it’s easy to forget to replace your heating and cooling system’s air filter. Filters capture dust, pet hair and other airborne irritants, so replacing a dirty filter with a clean one improves your system’s operational efficiency and elevates 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 control center for your HVAC system. You’ll want to make sure it’s in proper running order by changing it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if necessary. At this point, you’ll want to turn it on and listen for any odd noises or clues the system is struggling to start.

If your equipment is getting older, a smart thermostat is a practical product to own. It can save you up to 20% on your yearly energy bill. Whereas a programmable thermostat changes settings dependent on the time of day, a smart thermostat also takes into account your behavior. Most models can be paired with your smartphone so that adjustments can be made remotely. For increased safety, more sophisticated designs may be linked to smoke alarms and follow voice commands, as well as other useful 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 colder weather arrives can save you a hassle later. Not only can it cause drafts, making your living space chilly in the winter or warm in the summer, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and increase your heating bills.

If you detect an air leak now, you can take preventative steps before winter hits, including:

• Replacing old weatherstripping to ensure doors and windows are completely 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 don’t have enough insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a big impact on your furnace, which will have to work harder to keep up during times of very hot or cold temperatures. Autumn is an outstanding time to think about adding insulation, if you think your home needs additional protection from the elements. 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 arrange a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.