5 Tips ~ How To Prepare Your HVAC System For Winter
Hey Emerald Coast! Is your home ready to weather the winter chills? Cold fronts and frost bites, we've seen some cool temperatures along the coast. Prepare your home or business HVAC system with a few recommendations that are quick and easy and might just have you saving a little money - now that's something we can warm up to!
Get Efficient With The Temperature Setting of Your Thermostat
- During the cooler months set your thermostat to 68° F - 72° F during the day (if the home is occupied) and lower temperatures in the evening - between 62° F and 66° F
- Find the perfect temperature for your family and once you begin to acclimate consider lowering by a degree weekly - This one-degree reduction - maintained for even eight hours - can reduce a home's energy bill by 1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Invest In and Utilize a Smart Thermostat
- There is no perfect winter interior temperature for every home, and the savviest homeowners realize there is no perfect temperature for every moment in their homes. Times when your home is left empty – such as work hours or traveling periods – present ideal opportunities to lower the temperature and reduce expenses. Smart thermostats allow homeowners access to the homes climate instantly from most mobile devices. The majority of manufactures offer a manageable app along with their hardware for convenient home comfort and contact.
Keep Your Heat to Yourself
- Close doors and vents to unused rooms makes it easier for the home's HVAC system to deliver the desired temperature to occupied living spaces.
- Schedule annual HVAC maintenance and inspection.
- Upgrade or add weather stripping to doors and check the seals around your windows.
- Consider drapes when tall windows or glass doors are prevalent.
Upgrade & Change Your Filter Often
- Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.
- Filter inspection and replacement is one of the most cost efficient maintenance tasks that you can make a part of your home maintenance routine - consider an air filter subscription and automatically receive your new air filters every 30-90 days directly to your door!
Regulate Your HVAC Maintenance - Now Accepting Maintenance Partnerships with ACHI
- Ongoing Maintenance can save the average consumer 10-12% annually and much more if a major repair is avoided due to ongoing professional care to the HVAC unit.
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The best time for HVAC maintenance is during shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when your AC and furnace are needed the least. By scheduling bi-annual checkups with your local HVAC technician, you can ensure your system is running tip-top before you need it most.
Before the pro arrives, check for unusual odors, abnormal noises, and leaks in the ductwork—telltale signs of potential issues, so you can make the most of your technician's time (and your money).
Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter?
Don’t wait for temperatures to drop to mark off your furnace maintenance to-do list. Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. can help you make sure your home is warm and cozy this winter.
1. Replace Filters and Clean Equipment | Make sure you change the filter every 1-3 months depending on your home environment. Clean any debris or build up from the coils.
2. Test Your Thermostat | Turn up the temperature on your thermostat to make sure your system turns on and runs properly.
3. Check for Leaks | Make sure your windows and doors are sealed. Sealing leaks and cracks keeps cold air out and warm air in.
4. Check Your Air Conditioning System Pressure | Find the leaks! This check-up will help you correct any system leaks before you need your furnace to keep you warm.
5. Check your System | Your system needs a thorough once over to make sure your belts are in working condition, not cracked. The exhaust flue should be free of branches and leaves. Make sure the area around your furnace is uncluttered. Make sure the blower is clean and the burner flames are in working order.
6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector | It is important that your carbon monoxide detector is working especially during the winter months. We suggest changing the batteries at the beginning of the season.
Some of these items should be completed by an HVAC professional. Contact our team of experts today to make sure your furnace is in working order and your home stays warm this winter- 850.267.3538.