5 Key Questions to Ask When Preparing HVAC Systems for Winter

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts

With autumn on the horizon, homeowners will soon be preparing for the winter months ahead. Cold weather adds additional demand on your HVAC system. To prepare your heating unit for the heavy work it will be doing, scheduled HVAC maintenance should be on your fall checklist. It’s crucial for your system to operate efficiently in order to reduce the likelihood of repairs at an inconvenient or unsafe time, such as during a storm. Here, an experienced technician from Service Experts shares five questions to ask when preparing your furnace for winter.

1. When Should I Schedule My Furnace Tune-Up?

Once the cold hits the area, many businesses prioritize repairs over maintenance requests. Getting your HVAC system tune-up done before the first bite of winter cold assures that it will be ready for the season. It’s also highly recommended to look for a contractor who employs qualified technicians, said Mike Carson, manager of technical training and field operations support at Service Experts. To further check into a contractor, ask what’s included in their furnace maintenance. Here are a few must-haves:

• Cleaning burners and ignition components
• Testing safeties
• Inspecting the heat exchanger
• Cleaning and flushing drain lines
• Checking air filters
• Testing thermostats

2. When Was the Last Time I Changed My Air Filters?

Summer is a busy time, which means it’s easy to forget to replace your furnace’s air filter. Filters trap dust, pet hair and other airborne debris, so exchanging a dirty filter with a clean one increases your system’s operational efficiency and promotes indoor air quality.

“When you don’t replace the filter, the system needs to work harder to pull in air, which can lead to early failure,” Carson explained. “Some homeowners will choose a cheap fiberglass filter. They’re less expensive, but pleated filters trap more dust and particles. On the other hand, some can be too thick and restrictive. During your tune-up, ask the technician to suggest which filter is best for your system.”

3. Is My Thermostat Ready for Winter?

Your thermostat is the brain of your furnace. It’s important to make sure it’s in proper running order by switching it from cool to heat mode, setting your heating setpoints, checking your schedule on a programmable thermostat and replacing the batteries if appropriate. At this point, it’s time to turn it on and listen for any odd noises or clues the system is struggling to turn on.

If the furnace is older, a smart thermostat is a useful purchase. It can save you up to 20% on your yearly energy bill. Although a programmable thermostat adjusts settings according to the time of day, a smart thermostat also takes into account your behavior. Most brands can be connected to your smartphone so that modifications can be made even if you are away. For increased safety, more sophisticated models may be connected to smoke alarms and respond to voice commands, in addition to other helpful features.

“A smart thermostat is an inexpensive, but powerful intuitive device for your home,” Carson noted. “The learning curve will be long forgotten once you start enjoying the convenience and energy savings it offers.”

4. Do I Have Any Air Leaks?

Examining your doors and windows for air leaks before the colder weather arrives can save you a lot of stress later. Not only does this cause drafts, making your living space chilly in the winter or warm in the summer, but the cold air can also lower the temperature in your home, forcing your furnace to work harder and increase your heating costs.

If you notice an air leak ahead of time, you can take preventative steps before winter approaches, like:

• Replacing old weatherstripping to ensure doors and windows are fully sealed.
• Re-caulking any cracks.
• Closing the fireplace damper when it’s not being used.

“Avoiding wintertime HVAC issues starts months before winter even begins,” said Carson. “Take the time now to make sure your home is ready so you’re not paying for it later.”

5. Is the Insulation in My Home Ready for Winter?

Around 90% of U.S. residences need more insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. That can have a big impact on your HVAC system, which will be forced to work harder to keep up during times of extremely hot or cold weather. Autumn is an excellent time to look into adding insulation, if you think your home needs it. But what are the signs your home needs more insulation?

“If your attic insulation is less than seven inches deep, it’s inadequate,” Carson explained. “Adding more will probably save you another 20% on your energy bill. Inconsistent room temperatures and drafts could also be signs of poor insulation. Services like blower door testing, home energy audits and infrared cameras can help determine where your home may need more insulation as well.”

To learn more about HVAC maintenance or to schedule a tune-up with Service Experts, visit https://www.serviceexperts.com/.