Summer is on its way out, bringing pumpkin spice lattes, jack-o’-lanterns, and chilly temperatures in its wake. While you might not feel ready for fall and winter yet, your HVAC unit won’t wait. It’s important to complete your annual HVAC maintenance before winter temperatures set in.
Otherwise, your unit might not work as efficiently during the fall and winter months. You might notice a spike in your energy bills as a result.
Proper annual maintenance, on the other hand, could save you 30% on your energy bill. You can reduce environmental emissions this year, too.
Not sure where to start? Here are the 10 essential tips you need for annual HVAC maintenance. With these winter HVAC tips, you can keep your unit running at its best.
Table of Contents
Get started with these 10 tips today.
Replace the Filter
Let’s start off small. First, check out your unit’s air filter.
A dirty, clogged filter can impact the HVAC unit’s ability to push air through. If the filter is clogged, the unit will have to work twice as hard to work. The unit could wear down sooner than anticipated as a result.
You could even run the risk of damaging components of the unit.
Instead, try to switch your air filter every three months. If you have pets, you might need to switch the filter more often. Otherwise, fur and dander can clog the filter sooner than expected.
Consider purchasing a high-efficiency pleated air filter. These filters are more efficient at capturing small particles. You can ensure your home is clear of air pollutants that might otherwise trigger your allergies.
Switching out your filter regularly is an important annual HVAC maintenance step. Add it to your calendar so you don’t forget!
Dust the Furnace
After installing a furnace, don’t forget to give it a little attention throughout the year. It’s normal to forget it during the summer months. Unfortunately, dust and debris can collect against the furnace in that time.
If dust and dirt build against the furnace, a musty order might start to fill your home. You could increase the risk of a fire, too.
Instead, clear the furnace before winter. Cleaning your furnace can prevent potential clogs, improving airflow. You can benefit from energy-efficient heating as a result!
Otherwise, consider getting a new furnace, detailed here.
Clean the Unit
Take a moment to look at your heating system and AC unit. Is the unit located outside? Throughout the spring and summer months, grass blades can begin covering the system.
Check the unit for fallen leaves, grass, dirt, and other forms of debris. Make sure to clean away any pollen that’s clinging to the unit, too.
First, make sure to grab a pair of gloves and eye protection. Consider grabbing a hose while you’re at it. Then, clean debris away from the top and each side of the unit.
Once you’re done cleaning the unit, make sure nothing is blocking its airflow.
Cleaning the unit regularly, along with the rest of these winter HVAC times, will increase the unit’s lifespan. Improving your unit’s energy efficiency can keep it from breaking down.
Look for Damage
While you’re cleaning your unit, consider searching for signs of damage, too. For example, you might notice cracks or dents against the unit.
If there are any signs of electrical damage, take a step back. Call for an experienced professional to handle your HVAC maintenance instead.
Routine HVAC checkups can help push the life of the unit over 15 years. Otherwise, you might have to pay for expensive repairs. You might even have to pay for a brand new unit if you neglect these HVAC tips.
Clean the Air Ducts
As you start working through these HVAC tips, consider cleaning the ducts and registers, too. You can start by wiping away any visual dust or debris.
Adding these winter HVAC tips to your routine can clear the air and keep your unit running properly. Otherwise, dust can start filling the system.
Switch to the Fan
If you want to utilize energy-efficient heating this year, turn the HVAC unit’s fans off.
Instead, turn your ceiling fans on during the hot summer months. You can use portable fans throughout your home, too. Using fans throughout your home will help your HVAC unit cool down indoor temperatures.
You can keep the air circulating, too.
You can start saving money on energy bills and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Listen Up
As you start working through this winter HVAC maintenance checklist, keep an ear out. Do you hear anything weird when the unit is running? You might start hearing clunking or hissing sounds.
Weird sounds could indicate a blockage or problem with the unit. There’s a chance there’s a loose bolt or debris in the vents, too. If you can’t pinpoint the source of the problem, call an HVAC technician right away.
They’ll make sure there’s nothing wrong with your unit. Otherwise, an issue could impact your energy-efficient heating in the future.
Switch the Humidifier Off
Once the fall temperatures start setting in, consider turning the furnace humidifier’s water supply off. Turning the humidifier off can give the system the chance to rest.
Otherwise, make sure to replace the water panel during the fall months. You can set the humidity between 35 and 45% before turning the water supply on again.
Check the Alarms
The risk of a fire or carbon monoxide issue can increase during the winter. Make sure your alarms and detectors are functioning properly. Consider switching the batteries, too.
Checking your alarms can help you prepare for a potential emergency.
Call the Pros
You don’t have to work through your HVAC maintenance checklist alone. Instead, consider scheduling an annual preventative maintenance check. Schedule your check during the fall, before colder temperatures set in.
Scheduling annual checkups will ensure your unit is functioning properly. You can catch small issues before they develop further, too.
Fight the Chill: 10 Essential Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips
Don’t let your HVAC unit break down just as the fall and winter months start to set in. Instead, use these 10 essential winter HVAC maintenance tips. With these tips, you can keep your unit functioning throughout the year.
Improving your unit will ensure energy efficiency, helping you cut costs.
Searching for more tips? You came to the right place.
Explore our latest guides today to get started.