HVAC System Tips for Winter

During this winter season, the last thing you want is to discover a problem with your heating system that you could have handled sooner when the next snowstorm hits. Everyone knows that keeping any machine well-maintained is the key to extending its useful life, and the HVAC system in your house is no exception. We have prepared a few essential recommendations and to-dos from the indoor comfort specialists from Best Owner Direct HVAC to help you get your HVAC system ready for winter this fall. You can't make an excuse now.

1. Fall and Spring are ideal times to schedule maintenance

AC and furnace maintenance is best performed in the spring and fall when they are rarely used. It's best to get your HVAC system checked by a professional twice a year before you really need it. To make the most of your technician's time, it is a good idea to look for telltale symptoms of future problems before calling for help (and your money).

2. Reduce the heat when you don't need it

A smart thermostat is essential for winter energy savings. A linked unit, like the Trane XL824, with Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone app, allows you to track and regulate energy consumption throughout the house even when you're not present.

To save the most money, set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home, then decrease it to 10-12 degrees at night (when your comforter is keeping you warm) or during the day when you're away—little there's a need in heating an empty house. This can be programmed, geo-fenced, or controlled via a smartphone app. This straightforward approach can cut your heating expenditure by 10%.

The Energy Star-certified XL824 thermostat from Trane uses advanced adaptive technology to learn your preferences and maximize comfort and efficiency. Also, the XL824 lets you automate, monitor, or control your HVAC remotely and in real-time using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also program four temperature programs daily to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter.

3. To avoid a hot-upstairs-cold-downstairs dilemma, create climate zones

Because heat rises and cold air concentrates on the bottom level, if you live in a multi-story home, you may notice that the upstairs feels significantly warmer in the winter. Creating climatic zones is one method to address this inequality. The DIY method is simple but effective: Close a few second-floor vents to urge your heating system to direct more air downward.

A more current alternative is to have an HVAC specialist install a climate zone system and wireless sensors, which sends heated or cooled air to the areas most required. The smart system, which can be controlled from a distance, programs and controls the cooling and heating based on how your home's temperature changes over time. This keeps the whole house at a comfortable temperature.

4. Before winter approaches, turn on your furnace at least three times

A competent defense is the best offense. So, before the term "polar vortex" returns to your language, test your furnace at least three times in early October to ensure everything is working correctly. Set the thermostat to the right temperature for your home in the winter, and let it get there before you turn off the heat.

If it's time to replace your furnace, try the new Trane S9X2 Gas Furnace, which uses less energy. The furnace is Energy Star certified and 1% airtight (passes the strictest building requirements) with 2-stage gas heat, so it can provide comfortable warmth that is quieter and more efficient than most others on the market.

5. Replace your air filter and clean your vents

One of the most common reasons an HVAC system breaks down is that dirt and dust have built up in the filtration system. Check your HVAC air filter once a month—refer to your owner's manual for where filters are located—and replace it no later than 90 days if there is a problem. Having backup filters on hand is a wise decision because a filthy filter is inefficient.

In addition, inspect and clean the air vents in your home. Dust and filth accumulation in your home can cause ventilation blockages and ineffective airflow.

6. Consider adding insulation to your home

A home with enough insulation is an efficient dwelling. Consider hiring a local HVAC expert to evaluate the insulation in your attic for deterioration and repair it as needed.

During this time, inspecting the weather stripping on all doors and windows is a good idea. The cold that enters the home through drafty doors and windows will affect the ground level first, so focus your initial home inspection efforts there.

 7. Make sure your outdoor air conditioner is protected from the elements during winter by covering it

Prepare your outside air conditioner for the winter months ahead of time if you live in a region with a lot of snow and ice. On a dry day in the fall, clean the outside of your unit by sweeping away any leaves, twigs, or grass clippings that may have accumulated and then giving it a good rinse with a garden hose to get rid of any remaining dirt, bugs, or animal feces.

After the system has dried out, find the power switch and flip it to turn off the electricity. This will prevent the system from starting automatically on hot winter days. Finally, keep the HVAC unit clean of snow, ice, and debris as it accumulates over the winter months by covering it with a waterproof cover that can breathe.

Your outside unit can still be damaged by wind, rain, snow, and even curious animals, even if you reside in a temperate area. Consider covering your HVAC system to keep leaves and other debris from getting in. If you take care of your HVAC system, it will provide you with years of dependable service.