As winter approaches, it’s essential to take some preparatory steps to ensure that your home’s HVAC is ready for the colder weather. Here are four things you can do to prepare your home for winter.
Check your HVAC filters and replace them if necessary.
Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most important yet often overlooked pieces of equipment in your house. Not only does it keep you comfortable all year long, but it also helps to maintain healthy air quality indoors. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your filters are clean and in good condition. If they’re not, your system may be working harder than necessary and costing you more money.
Most people know that they should change their HVAC filters every few months, but many don’t know how to do it. The good news is that it’s a simple process and doesn’t require special tools or skills. All you need is a screwdriver (or a drill) and about 10 minutes. Here are the steps:
1) Turn off the power to your furnace or air conditioning unit at the breaker box.
2) Remove the old filter by unscrewing or unclipping it from the unit.
3) Replace with a new filter following the manufacturer’s instructions (usually by clipping or screwing it into place).
4) Turn the power to your furnace or AC unit and check for leaks.
5) That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your HVAC filter.
If you don’t feel uncomfortable changing your filter, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. However, if you do it yourself, you can save a lot of money over time.
Inspect your HVAC’s ductwork and seal any leaks.
Most people don’t think about their home’s ductwork very often, but it’s essential to your home’s overall comfort and efficiency. Your ducts distribute conditioned air throughout your house, so you lose money and comfort if they’re leaky. Sealing leaks in your ductwork can improve your home’s energy efficiency by up to 20 percent!
If you’re unsure whether your ducts are leaking, you can have a professional perform a blower door test. This test measures the air leakage in your house, and you can determine where the leaks are coming from and how to fix them. You can also do simple tests to see if you have any apparent leaks.
One way to seal leaks is with caulk or weatherstripping. If you find an area where the insulation is visible around the edges of a register or vent cover, for example, you can use caulk to seal it up. And if there are gaps between the wall and the edge of a vent cover, you can use weatherstripping to fill them in. Unique “duct tape” products also work well for sealing leaks.
Install a programmable thermostat to help manage your home’s temperature.
Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most critical pieces of equipment you have, and it’s essential to take steps to prepare it for winter. One way to do that is by installing a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help you manage your home’s temperature more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.
Several different types of programmable thermostats are available, so you should be sure to choose one that meets your needs. Some thermostats allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, while others let you create schedules based on whether or not someone is home. In addition, some thermostats can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
If you’re interested in installing a programmable thermostat in your home, you should keep a few things in mind. First, be sure to consult with a qualified HVAC technician to determine which type of thermostat is best for your needs. Second, ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your home’s heating and cooling system. And finally, be prepared to get used to the new device – it may take a little while to get used to the unique scheduling and temperature settings.
Schedule a professional maintenance visit for your HVAC system.
A little bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your home is comfortable all winter long. One easy way to do this is to schedule a professional maintenance visit for your system. This will help ensure that all the parts are working correctly and that there are no potential problems that could turn into more significant issues.
Another way to keep your home comfortable during the winter months is to make sure that you have proper insulation. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out, making it more comfortable for everyone in the house. If you are unsure how to insulate your home correctly, plenty of resources are available online, or you can always ask a professional for help.
Finally, one last tip for keeping your home comfortable during winter is to invest in a good quality space heater. This can be a great backup plan if your HVAC system goes down or you just need a little extra warmth on freezing days. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when using any type of space heater in your home.
These steps can help ensure that your home is comfortable all winter long. Atlanta Heating and Air Solutions is your local HVAC contractor in Mableton, GA. We’re here to help you with all your heating and air needs, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
