6 Tips to Keep Your HVAC System Maintained...

6 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HVAC SYSTEM MAINTAINED THIS WINTER

The winter months are just around the corner, and even here in sunny southern Utah and Nevada, that means a winter chill can set in. Your home’s heating system can help you and your family to stay comfortable and warm inside, but it’s important that it receives the proper maintenance throughout the year in order to function at peak efficiency.

If the necessary maintenance work is ignored, your HVAC system may not function as well or may even break down completely, which is inconvenient and can be expensive to fix. Follow these six tips to keep your HVAC system properly maintained and functioning correctly throughout the winter season.

1. SCHEDULE A TUNE-UP

One of the best things you can do to prepare your HVAC system for winter is to have it professionally inspected and tuned up. An HVAC technician can visit your home and perform a full inspection of your HVAC system, including regular maintenance such as cleaning vents and replacing filters. They can also help identify and fix any issues before they become bigger problems, potentially avoiding a major breakdown in the future and saving you money on expensive repairs.

2. REPLACE OR CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTER

Air filters work to catch dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris so it doesn’t get put out into the air inside your home. A dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, so it’s important to replace or clean it regularly– general recommendations range from every one to three months. During the winter, you may need to change your air filter more frequently due to increased use.

3. CONSIDER REPLACING YOUR HEATING SYSTEM

HVAC replacements are a big investment, but it may be worth considering if your heating system is more than 10 years old. Systems installed over a decade ago may be functioning at only 60% capacity, using more energy, raising utility bills, and heating less efficiently. For many individuals in this situation, proactively upgrading their home’s heating system may be a cost-effective and energy-efficient option.

4. BE SMART ABOUT USING YOUR THERMOSTAT

During the winter months, there are a few simple strategies you can use with regards to the thermostat’s controls to improve efficiency and save on heating costs. First, try not to set your temperature settings to above 70 degrees during the day, and lower it further at nights if possible.

Try to stick to the preprogrammed temperature settings whenever possible– if you get cold during the day, opt for putting on a jacket before adjusting the temperature. If you do have to turn up the heat, do so by just a few degrees rather than cranking it all the way up. Setting your thermostat to a consistent temperature can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and prolong its lifespan.

5. KEEP YOUR VENTS AND REGISTERS OPEN

During the winter, your home’s heating system is already working hard to keep temperatures comfortable, so you don’t want to do anything that will put additional strain on the system. Closing your vents and registers can cause your home’s HVAC system to work harder, leading to decreased efficiency and potentially damaging your system.

6. AVOID LEAKAGE OF WARM AIR

Once you have your home warmed to a nice and toasty temperature, you don’t want to lose all of that warmed air to the outside. Using draft stoppers such as door sweeps or window seals can help prevent cold air from entering your home, which can reduce the workload on your HVAC system. If you have a fireplace, make sure to keep the damper closed whenever it’s not in use to prevent cold air from entering your home through the chimney.

KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE YEAR-ROUND WITH THE HELP OF A-1 SERVICES

With offices in St. George and Mesquite, A-1 Services has been providing high quality plumbing and HVAC services to residential and commercial customers in southern Utah and Nevada for more than 40 years. No matter what time of year it is, we can help you ensure that your HVAC system is properly maintained and running as efficiently as possible.

Our technicians are skilled in the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of all kinds of heating and cooling systems, and can provide efficient work and great customer service at affordable prices. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.