As we head into fall, there is a chill in the morning air and the days are getting shorter. That means that we will soon be firing up our furnaces or heaters for the long winter ahead. The best way to ensure that you can avoid a costly emergency HVAC repair is to make sure that your heating is good to go. These are the best cold-weather furnace preparedness tips from our experts in heating and air in Mt. Pleasant, SC!
Change Out Air Filters
Air filters are your first line of defense from dirt, debris, and fine particles making their way into your ductwork and eventually your HVAC system. The best way to keep your furnace running optimally is by making sure that your filters are changed. When you allow them to go without replacement, they can become caked and force your heating system to work harder than it should. That puts a lot of wear and tear on your system and increases the risk that you will need to schedule an unnecessary repair call. Ideally, your filters should be changed about every thirty days.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Although it was fine to keep your home at 78 for the summer, as the weather changes, you will want to turn that down. The best way to reduce energy costs and keep your furnace from working around the clock is to set your thermostat lower and program it so that the temperatures can dip while you are sleeping and while you are away. Just one degree will save you as much as one to two percent on your overall energy costs. Although that might not seem like a lot, every little bit counts!
Weather-Proof
The key to your furnace’s longevity is in the number of hours it has to keep up with demand. If you want to decrease your monthly costs and help your furnace, weatherproof your windows and doors. Over time, your home settles and the door and window jambs can develop cracks and crevices where air can escape. Your local DIY center will have many options available to inexpensively shore up those vulnerabilities and allow you to cut your energy consumption considerably!
Regular Maintenance
If it has been a while since you have had your furnace maintained, now is the perfect time! Maintenance will help prevent your furnace from building up dirt and grime that can cause friction that leads to needing repairs and unnecessary wear. Also, while someone is maintaining your system, they can ensure that nothing is amiss and potentially head off the possibility of a costly breakdown! Maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and less expensively!
As we head into fall, soon we will be turning the air conditioning to heat. Is your furnace ready for the cold weather to come? The key to keeping your HVAC running smoothly is prevention and regular maintenance. Contact 1st Choice to schedule your end-of-year air conditioning maintenance and your furnace preparation!