Having regular maintenance performed on your heating system is the best way to keep it operating with optimal efficiency. Here are seven must-dos for getting your heater ready for winter.
1. Change the Air Filter
Maintaining a comfortable temperature, improving indoor air quality and reducing wear and tear on the HVAC system are all made possible by adequate airflow, meaning your system needs a clean air filter at all times. A filter will eventually clog with dirt and debris as time passes. Changing or cleaning the filter once a month is an excellent way to ensure it doesn’t clog.
If you notice your air filter clogging after every couple of weeks, you should consider upgrading to a higher-quality filter. You may also want to invest in indoor air quality testing to reveal pollutants that the filter doesn’t catch. A technician can then install an indoor air quality device to address the pollutants, which will improve the performance of the HVAC system, cut down on energy use and lower your energy expenses. Even if you have a new home, indoor air quality testing is crucial to HVAC performance because today’s modern, tightly constructed homes are especially well-known for trapping indoor air pollutants.
2. Find and Fix Air Leaks
Gaps around the doors, windows and other openings in your home are major causes of heat loss. Caulking or weatherstripping these cracks will keep air from escaping and reduce stress on the HVAC system. Hiring a professional HVAC specialist to inspect your house for air leaks is the best way to find and fix all of them.
3. Clean Air Registers and Vents
Dirty or blocked air vents and air registers make it difficult for the HVAC system to keep your home warm because they hinder airflow. Cleaning your air vents and registers with a vacuum or dusting broom at least once a week makes it easier for the system to heat your home with the utmost efficiency, and more importantly, to heat your house evenly.
4. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat allows you to maintain different temperatures at various times of the day. When you’re not home or sleeping, you should set the thermostat lower to save money on utility bills without compromising your comfort. Using the thermostat’s “hold” or “vacation” mode when you’re away from home for more than 24 hours at at time can also reduce energy use, adding further savings to your energy bills while also decreasing unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.
With the right set up, you can have a technician connect a smart thermostat to your HVAC system. A smart thermostat maximizes your winterization efforts by providing you with remote monitoring, precise temperature control and automated heating.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
During regular maintenance, a certified technician will conduct a thorough once-over of your heating system, making sure all of its parts are clean while also fixing any worn-out or damaged parts. This preventative maintenance keeps your system running smoothly all winter, prevents costly malfunctions and increases its longevity.
7. Upgrade Your Insulation
Consider your home’s insulation and whether or not you’ve paid much attention to it over the past decade. Insulation plays a significant role in how energy efficient your home is, but it only maintains its effectiveness for 15 to 20 years if it doesn’t receive proper care. When maintained properly, insulation has a lifespan of 30 to 40 years.
Kahn Air Conditioning ensures that Northridge, and the surrounding areas, residents’ heating systems continue to function at peak efficiency by providing maintenance and repair services. We also help property owners with ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality testing and AC installation and maintenance. If you need to get your heater serviced, call Kahn Air Conditioning right now.
