As winter is ramping up here in Colorado, it’s time to get your HVAC system ready so that you can enjoy comfort all winter long.
Here are some good tips to get your HVAC system in peak condition for the hard work it’s going to be doing over the next few months.
Clean Around the Furnace
For many people, the furnace room is also one of the main storage rooms in the house. When the furnace isn’t running, you might forget that it’s a heat source and pile stuff around it. This can not only make it hard for a professional to perform routine maintenance, but it can increase the risk of fires.
Make sure your furnace is easily accessible and has adequate space around it to allow for efficient and safe function.
Schedule Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system is to get it checked out by a professional. If you have a standard central heating system, it goes through periods of heavy demand and total inactivity, both of which can stress the system. Getting it checked out every year can identify potential problems before they kill the system.
Professional maintenance will identify any necessary furnace repairs and take care of basic maintenance tasks like cleaning the fuel jets and combustion sensor to make sure your furnace comes on and works efficiently.
Install or Prep Humidifier
Colorado’s climate is already dry, and this winter seems to be trending as one of the driest in many years. Plus, your furnace dries out the air even more. If you are tired of getting cracked skin or constantly using lotion during the winter, consider getting a whole house humidifier.
If you have a humidifier, make sure it gets serviced at the same time as your furnace. If humidifier prep isn’t part of your regular furnace service, you can do it yourself. Replace the water panel, clean out the reservoir, and make sure there are no leaks in the humidifier. Also, make sure it’s turned on.
Re-Program Your Thermostat
If you use the same thermostat for heating and cooling in your house, it has probably been adjusted for summer operation. You don’t want it set for the same temperatures in both seasons. Not only is this highly inefficient, it also doesn’t feel comfortable. Adjust the thermostat a few degrees cooler for the winter, and you’ll be happier, not to mention all the money you’ll save.
If you haven’t used your thermostat since last winter, make sure the time and day are right. Confirm that all the programs are accurate.
Winterize Outdoor Equipment
If your HVAC system has any outdoor equipment, prep them for winter. What this means depends on the specific equipment you have. For a swamp cooler, drain the water and put on your winter cover.
For air conditioning, clean the unit and clear weeds around it. Make sure there is no leak from the gutters above and put the cover over it.
In both cases throw the on/off switch or circuit breaker at the unit to avoid accidentally turning them one.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With all the windows closed and more combustion going on in your house, indoor air quality can be affected. You need to make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test these and replace the batteries if any don’t seem to be working. If replacing the batteries is not enough, replace the entire detector.
Inspect Ductwork
There are many different phases to inspecting your ductwork. First, go around to all the heating vents and make sure they are not blocked by furniture, toys, clothes, or anything else that might keep the heat from entering the room.
Next, remove a few vent covers to look inside your ducts. If your ducts are too full of dust, consider getting professional cleaning.
Finally, if you have any rooms where the heat doesn’t seem to reach, follow the ductwork leading to those rooms and look for leaks. If the ductwork isn’t visible, you might need a professional to send a camera through or use thermal imaging to find any leaks. If the ductwork isn’t leaky, but it’s a long way to the rooms that aren’t getting heat, you can improve the situation by putting insulation on the ducts.
Check for Drafts around Windows and Doors
Even if your HVAC system is working great, it might not feel like it if a significant portion of your heat is escaping through drafty windows and doors.
Sometimes you can fix leaks around windows with a simple application of caulk. Maybe your door seal or weatherstripping needs to be replaced. In other cases, you might need to look at replacing your windows to get a decent seal.
Let Major Heating & Air Conditioning Get Your HVAC Winter-Ready
If you are looking for someone to perform annual maintenance on your furnace or other components of the HVAC this winter, contact Major Heating & Air Conditioning today.
Since 1970, we’ve been helping businesses and homeowners in Denver and along the Front Range to enjoy maximum comfort indoors. We have an A+ rating with the BBB and offer 24-hour emergency service if you need it. Our technicians are EPA, LEED, and NATE certified. Check out our reviews and you’ll see why so many people trust us with their comfort.
Please call us or use our online form to schedule an appointment today.