Getting ready for winter weather involves more than just taking your warm clothing out of the back of your closet and stocking up on warm soup and hot chocolate. If you really want to prepare yourself for Jack Frost’s arrival, then prepping your home’s heating system is a must. Let’s take a look at five different ways that you can help your furnace, boiler, or other heating system prepare for low temperatures.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Getting your heating system ready for the winter season starts with a thermostat adjustment. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a comfortable temperature for colder weather so that your heating system can run efficiently when you need it most.
A properly calibrated thermostat can reduce heating bills and prevent wasted heat during the cold season. By adjusting your thermostat settings ahead of time, you’ll also save energy while keeping warm air circulating through your home. It’s one of the simplest ways to prepare for the upcoming heating season and will give your HVAC system a head start!
Clean or Replace the Filter
Changing or cleaning your air filter is an important step that nobody should forget. Dirty filters block airflow and make your heating unit work harder, which reduces energy efficiency. By keeping air filters clean, you can help the blower motor to operate at maximum efficiency.
Also, a dirty filter can also lead to poor indoor air quality, contributing to cold spots in your home and making the heat pump less effective. Regular maintenance of your air filter prevents these issues and improves your HVAC unit’s performance throughout the winter.
Declutter the Space Around Your Heater
Decluttering the space around your heating unit is equally important. Objects too close to the heating unit can block airflow, trap cold air around the system, and hinder its energy-efficient operation.
By doing a simple cleanup, you can prevent overheating of components like the blower motor and heat exchanger. Keeping your duct system free of obstructions also helps improve energy savings and reduces the chance of costly repairs during the winter season. Further, clear space around your heater will also allow for better-heated air distribution.
Test Out Your Heating System
Testing out your heating system before colder weather hits will ensure that it’s ready when you need it most. Turning on your HVAC unit early on can help you catch any problems before the cold season begins. Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, testing it ahead of time allows you to check for any cold air leaks or insufficient warm air.
Running a test also helps you identify issues like a malfunctioning heat exchanger or a faulty blower motor, which can impact your energy efficiency. Solving these problems early on will give you peace of mind and help prevent costly repairs later.
Schedule Maintenance
It’s a good idea to schedule routine maintenance with an HVAC technician before the colder weather sets in. During a thorough cleaning, the technician will inspect everything from your HVAC unit’s duct system to its heat exchanger, air filter, and blower motor.
They’ll check for duct leaks, replace the oil filter, and ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly. Regular maintenance will maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency and performance, prevent dirty air from circulating, and keep your home safe during the winter season. Also, be sure to schedule your appointment sooner rather than later — some technicians might get busier as more and more homeowners call them for maintenance.
Give Us a Call to Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter Weather!
Anyone in need of furnace, heat pump, or boiler repair in the Joliet region is only a phone call away from Comfort First Heating and Cooling. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll help your HVAC systems get in good shape for cold winter temperatures!