HVAC Maintenance Tips For The Winter

HVAC experts encourage routine maintenance for your heating system. A thorough cleaning and tune-up will help ensure you stay comfortable and safe all winter long. It will also reduce unnecessary energy consumption and help reduce your monthly utility costs. Additionally, tune-ups help avoid expensive emergency breakdowns and extend the life of your system, protecting your investment.

Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up in Early Fall

You should have a professional HVAC technician perform the maintenance recommended by your heating system’s manufacturer. It ensures your heater runs safely and is likely required by your warranty. During the appointment, a technician will perform a multi-point inspection, clean your equipment, and fix any minor issues resulting from wear and tear. They will also recommend a proactive repair if there are more serious issues. Scheduling this appointment in the fall gives you time to explore your options and have the work performed before cold weather hits.

Schedule a Duct Inspection

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends a duct camera inspection at least every other year. Your fall tune-up is an excellent time to schedule this service too. If you have significant dust accumulation in your ducts, have the technician clean them. They will use a powerful vacuum to remove all the dust and other debris. A duct inspection is also an opportunity for your technician to identify gaps or leaks in your forced air system. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that homeowners can lose up to 20% of their conditioned air through faults in ductwork.

Check Your HVAC Filter and Replace It as Needed

Your heating system’s air filter protects its internal components from dust and debris. It also plays a vital role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, it blocks proper airflow through your system when it becomes clogged. Reduced airflow can lead to a host of issues, including making your heating system work harder to keep your home comfortable.

Experts recommend replacing your filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours out more often due to factors like if you have pets, how many people live in your house, and the type of filter you use. Many homeowners inspect their heater’s filter once a month to ensure they know when they need to replace it.

Test Your Thermostat

You should consider an upgrade if you don’t yet have a programmable or smart thermostat. Using thermostat scheduling, you can save as much as 10% on your heating annually. Smart thermostats offer advanced features like the ability to adjust your home’s temperature using your smartphone and provide monthly energy-use reports. If you have already upgraded, an HVAC technician can clean the thermostat, verify it is reading your indoor temperature correctly, and recalibrate the unit as needed.

Check Your Vents

Check each vent in your home. All your return and supply vents should be in the fully open position for optimal airflow through your home. Also, remove any household items, such as furniture, area rugs, or curtains, that may block airflow.

You can clean vent covers using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. For more thorough cleaning, remove the vent covers with a screwdriver and wash them with warm, soapy water; you can use a stiff bristle brush to remove stubborn grime. While they are drying, use your vacuum to clean inside the vent up to where your ductwork begins.

Inspect and Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning poses a serious risk if your heating system burns fossil fuels. To protect your home, ensure you have a CO detector on every level of your home, including the basement, and place one near each sleeping area to ensure that everyone can hear the alarm when they are asleep.

Replace any detectors that are 10 years old or older, as their sensors can degrade over time. For the remaining detectors, change the batteries if needed and test each one using the built-in test feature. If a detector fails the test, replace it immediately to maintain safety in your home.

Heat Pumps Need Seasonal Maintenance Twice a Year

Homeowners may have a standalone or dual-fuel heat pump, which provides heating and cooling. This dual functionality is an advantage, but these types of systems require more frequent maintenance than traditional ones. Since heat pumps operate year-round, they experience greater wear and tear than systems that are only used seasonally. Regular maintenance twice a year is crucial to ensure optimal performance, enhance efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your heat pump.

Prepare the Outdoor Unit

If your system includes an outdoor unit, start by checking it for branches, leaves, and other debris. Clear away any obstructions to ensure proper airflow. Additionally, trim back branches and bushes to maintain at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance around the unit. This space is essential for optimal performance and efficiency.

Check the Furnace or Boiler Area

Furnace and boiler areas should be free of clutter throughout winter. It’s particularly important for fuel-burning systems but electric units too. Dust the area and remove cobwebs. You should also remove all newspapers, magazines, fabrics, and other combustibles.

Attend to Your Humidifier

If you have a whole-home humidifier, you likely turn it off during the summer and spring because it’s unnecessary during these times of year. It will need a thorough cleaning before you restart it to combat dry winter conditions. This is also an ideal time to replace the filters.

Additionally, consider having a professional technician inspect it. They can identify potential issues and check the settings to ensure that the unit operates efficiently throughout the winter months.

Service Your Air Purifier

If you have a whole-house air purifier, many models require professional maintenance once a year. Fall is an excellent time to schedule this service. It will often need filter media replacement, cleaning, and tune-up.

Prepare Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can enhance comfort and efficiency in your home during winter. Dust the fan blades to ensure they operate effectively. You may also need to lubricate the motors, depending on the model.

Next, set the fans to the lowest speed and ensure they rotate clockwise. This configuration helps to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling, distributing heat evenly throughout the room while minimizing the wind chill effect.

Do You Need HVAC Maintenance in Anaheim?

At Associated Heating & Air, we have served the residents of Anaheim, CA and the surrounding areas since 1990. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing air purifiers and whole-hole humidity control systems. We also invite you to sign up for a maintenance plan. As a member, you will get two yearly tune-ups and never pay an overtime fee when you need emergency HVAC service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.