The summer was sweltering. The sun outside made us sweat bullets and take frequent breaks from outdoor activities within the cool confines of our homes. But now the tables are turning. We’re beginning to feel the cool air in the great outdoors and, the need for warmer indoor air has arrived. This shift can be a demanding one on your HVAC, so a bit of heating system maintenance is in order.
In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the simple yet impactful measures you can take to help your system help you as you go into the colder seasons of the year.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Regular checkups with a doctor are a great way for us to stay healthy. The same applies to heating system maintenance. Instead of doctors, though, you can rely on experienced technicians like us (and we’re quite accustomed to house calls)!
A professional inspection typically includes:
- Safety checks that serve to identify potential hazards
- Efficiency testing to make sure you’re getting the most out of your system without it overworking itself
- Cleaning of major components that will improve your system’s longevity
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Nobody likes dirty filters, and yet, they often overstay their welcome. It’s not that we prefer not to change them. It’s that they’re easy to forget, even though timely changes can make a huge difference.
When you let your filters get too clogged with dust and debris, efficiency takes a hit, and you end up paying more for decreased performance. On top of that, allergies tend to increase when your indoor air is running through a filter that desperately needs to be swapped out.
Typically, air filters should be changed every one to three months. Several factors, such as how many pets you have, can determine how long a filter stays healthy and effective.
Check and Clean Vents and Ducts
Heating system maintenance extends beyond the unit itself. Filthy airways and blocked vents can:
- Reduce airflow
- Unevenly heat your home
- Decrease energy efficiency
Make sure you aren’t placing furniture or other items in places that obstruct the flow of air into or out of a room. While you’re at it, schedule professional duct cleaning if it’s been a long time since your last service. Similar to clean filters, clean ducts can greatly reduce allergens, dust, and other pollutants that would otherwise make it into your living areas.
Test the Thermostat
Few things are as frustrating as a malfunctioning thermostat when a cold snap hits. A little proactivity will help you avoid this issue! Give your thermostat a trial run when the outdoor temperatures are still comfortable. Is it bringing your home to the set temperature within a reasonable amount of time? If not, there may be an issue.
If your thermostat isn’t working or is simply old and struggling, a smart thermostat is a great upgrade to get! It gives you a high level of control over your home’s temperature and heating schedule. It can even learn your heating habits and adapt to help you save money!
Inspect the System for Wear and Tear
Even something as simple as observation can be effective heating system maintenance. When your system turns on, try to pay attention and identify any “cries for help.” Do you notice any unusual noises, odors, or visual damage when your system is running? If so, it could signal an operational malfunction or failure. This is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A breakdown in the middle of winter could be more than an inconvenience. It could be dangerous.
Improve Home Efficiency
When you optimize your home’s efficiency, you’re supporting your heating system in a big way. In return, it will save you potentially big bucks! A couple of simple steps are:
- Seal all drafts around your windows and doors with either caulking or weatherstripping.
- Add insulation in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces.
These improvements can work wonders for keeping your indoor air where it’s supposed to be. The result? Your system decreases its energy usage and increases its effectiveness.
Heating Installation and Repairs Done Right
Cold weather is on the way, and prepping your system before it arrives in full force will save you a lot of grief this fall and winter. Comfort and efficiency can be maintained all season long, but only if you take the time to care for the heating equipment that takes care of you.
By following this simple HVAC maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to enjoy the winter! When it’s time to schedule an inspection, heating installation, or repairs, get in touch with us at Holtzople. We’ve got decades of experience in heating system maintenance under our utility belts, and we’re happy to make sure your home is ready for frigid temperatures.
Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance, our technicians will assist you with top-quality service at any time of the day or night. Take comfort in knowing your indoor air quality is the best it can be with MOE heating & cooling services Ontario's solution for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation that’s cooler than the rest.
Contact us to schedule a visit. Our qualified team of technicians, are always ready to help you and guide you for heating and cooling issues. Weather you want to replace an old furnace or install a brand new air conditioner, we are here to help you. Our main office is at Kitchener but we can service most of Ontario's cities
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