As the cold weather season approaches, it's just about time to turn on the heating system in your home! Your HVAC system has likely gotten a nice break between summer and fall, which means there are a few things you should keep in mind before turning your system back on to not only prepare it for winter, but also keep it running efficiently throughout the colder season! Here are some tips to help you maintain your HVAC system before and during fall and winter:
Get Your System Checked. If you haven't done so already, now is the time to schedule your annual maintenance on your heating system. It can be easy to wait until something is broken to call in a pro, but preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure that no small issue turns into an emergency. The last thing you want is to wait until the frigid temperatures set in to discover that your heater isn't working properly!
Check Your Filter. One of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is to keep the filter clean. Depending on what type of filter your system has and how long you've had it, you'll want to either clean or replace it before turning on the heat for the system. A clean filter will help to keep your system running as efficiently as possible, which will make your home warm while keeping your energy bills low!
Examine Blower Doors. Blower doors are installed to make sure carbon monoxide and other toxic gases are able to exit your home. Needless to say, properly installed and sealed blower doors are imperative for keeping your family safe, especially when your heating system is running. Make sure your blower doors are completely sealed and continue to check them periodically throughout the season.
Adjust Air Vents. Air vents play a huge role in the way that warm air flows and is distributed throughout your home. It's important to ensure that air is able to flow through all of the air vents in your home. If it's not, this could be indicative of an obstruction or clog, and may need to be dealt with by a professional. If air is flowing freely, be sure to adjust vents so that air flow is focused on the rooms of your home you use the most. Here's a hint: close air vents in unused guest rooms to heat the areas of your home you do use more efficiently!
If you have any additional questions about the best way to prepare your HVAC system for the cold winter months, give us a call! We'd be happy to share all of our advice for keeping your system running smoothly throughout the winter!
Interested in preventative maintenance for your system? If so, call New England Cooling Towers today at (978) 649-6001 and we’ll send one of our certified HVAC contractors to your home to inspect your HVAC unit.
