Here in Akron, OH, autumn offers a few weeks to prepare your heating system for the winter. By the time October begins, the average low temperature makes heat a must. To get your HVAC system ready, use this handy seven-step checklist.
1. Check Your Air Filter
The first preparatory step is to check your HVAC air filter to see if it needs replacing. Generally, disposable air filters last for approximately three months, if not less. If yours is older than that, purchase a compatible replacement and install it.
However, if your home is especially dusty, your air filter may get dirty faster than that. If your filter appears discolored or completely opaque, you should replace it. A clogged air filter will force your heating system to work harder than necessary. That will raise your energy bills and cause extra wear and tear on your system.
2. Dust and Clean Your Home’s Vents
Clean your home’s vents to improve your HVAC filter’s longevity. Start by removing the grille covering your home’s return air ducts and cleaning it with soapy water. That will keep accumulated dirt from reaching your new filter. Then, clean each air register and move any furniture obstructing it. That’s important to ensure even heating in the winter and preserve your home’s air quality.
3. Clean up Around Your Outdoor Unit
Once the leaves stop falling this autumn, you should head outside to clean up around your HVAC outdoor unit. It works best with at least 2 feet of unobstructed space on all sides. Remove any twigs or small branches that fell around your unit. Then, sweep and remove leaves, dirt, and other debris.
Use a garden hose to rinse your outdoor unit’s coils gently. If your HVAC system is a heat pump, this step is crucial. Your outdoor unit captures heat energy to keep your home at your desired temperature. Keeping its coils clean improves energy efficiency and ensures an adequate heat supply.
4. Find and Seal Air Leaks
Before turning on your heating system, inspect your home for air leaks. Check the exterior caulking around windows and doorframes. Exposure to the elements can cause caulking to crack, shrink, or fall off entirely. Run a new bead of caulk around any trouble spots. Then, check the interior of your home for air leaks. If you see any light shining through around the frames of your windows or doors, air will leak. Use weatherstripping to address any problems that you find.
5. Test Your Thermostat
Autumn is also an excellent time to test your thermostat to ensure that it works properly. Begin by replacing its batteries. Use a thermometer to see if your thermostat reads the correct temperature. If not, it may need recalibration. Check your thermostat’s manual for instructions on how to do that. Then, change the set temperature to see if your HVAC responds accordingly. If not, it could be time for a new thermostat.
6. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
To ensure the safety of your home and family, you should also check the operation of your carbon monoxide detectors. Perform the testing procedure specified by your detectors’ manufacturer. If necessary, replace the batteries in your detectors. That will ensure they work through the winter without interruption. If any detectors are beyond replacement age, discard them and purchase new ones.
7. Have Your HVAC Inspected and Maintained
Your home’s HVAC system needs a yearly inspection and maintenance visit from a professional HVAC technician. They will clean and optimize your system and test it for proper mechanical operation. The autumn is the perfect time to schedule your annual maintenance appointment. Besides helping prepare your HVAC for winter, it might turn up issues that could lead to a breakdown. Making timely repairs could prevent a loss of heat in the coldest parts of the year.
Home Heating Specialists
For over 30 years, Bernard Heating & Cooling has helped Akron homeowners stay warm in the winter. We offer complete heating maintenance, repair, and installation services. For your convenience, we also provide maintenance agreements to keep your HVAC at peak reliability and efficiency. Our staff of NATE-certified HVAC technicians have the training and skills to maintain all kinds of HVAC systems. We also offer water heaters and indoor air quality services. If you need a trustworthy HVAC company to maintain your Akron home’s heating system, call Bernard Heating & Cooling now!
