A well-maintained HVAC system is the key to comfort during winter nights and days in North Charlotte and Charlotte Metro. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC), is your most important equipment when it’s cold outside. Problems with the system can cause discomfort and increase energy bills. This can be avoided by ensuring your HVAC system operates at peak performance before winter arrives. The following HVAC tips for your heater in winter will help you get the best out of your HVAC system during the cold season.
Tips for Heater in Winter HVAC
Here are some HVAC tips homeowners should remember for winter.
1. Keep the Vents Clean and Maintained
In summer, the warm, humid air can cause mold growth in the vents. Buildup can result in clogs. The furnace will work harder if the vents are blocked or damaged. This can cause warm air not to reach the area you use the most, like the living room.
It’s essential to clear any clogs as we get closer to winter. This will ensure the vents work correctly.
If a vacuum cleaner is free from foreign particles, it will do the job. Clean air vents will allow good-quality air to circulate in your house throughout winter.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the best investments you could make to increase the efficiency of your heating system. Programmable thermostats can help you save 10% on heating and cooling costs each year without sacrificing comfort. If the thermostat is set to turn back 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day, this will result in a 10% reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Homes in milder climates can save even more. If you already have a thermostat, now is the time to ensure it’s working properly as winter draws near. You will get the best out of your thermostat if it is properly programmed.
You should only set the thermostat at the desired temperature to avoid higher heating costs. You can save more on winter utility bills by setting your thermostat lower than usual when you are asleep or away from home.
If you have an older thermostat, replacing it with a modern/smart one is best. This will allow you to set the temperature as desired and at the right time.
3. Listen for unusual HVAC noises
Any changes in the noise or smell of your heating system are a sign it needs to be inspected. Loud noises indicate the system is working harder than it should. A homeowner might not be able to tell the cause of the HVAC noise. Most likely, your furnace needs to be repaired or cleaned. An expert may be needed if changing the filters does not solve the problem. You should also be aware of strange odors coming from your heating system.
Call an HVAC maintenance company to resolve the issue before it becomes too costly. It’s a fact the longer you wait, the more costly the repairs will become. Worse, it could mean you have to replace your HVAC system entirely.
4. Replace the air filters
Air filters should be kept clean if possible and changed regularly. Air filters need to be cleaned during winter. Clogged filters can prevent air from flowing freely into the engine. This results in a reduced air supply. More fuel is required because the engine has to work harder to supply air. A dirty filter can pose a risk to homeowners’ health, in addition to fuel waste. It traps contaminants in the air, making it difficult for heated air to pass through.
A visual inspection is the best way to determine if your air filter needs to be changed. The new filter will be either white or off-white, while the old one will look darker due to visible debris and dust.
5. Make sure your home is adequately insulated
Although home insulation isn’t an HVAC problem, it can significantly impact a house’s temperature and energy efficiency. Heat naturally flows from colder to warmer places. This means heated air can escape from gaps between doors and windows and through openings in your roof, attic, or other areas. These areas should be insulated to keep warm air from escaping.
6. Get annual HVAC maintenance
No matter how good your HVAC system is, it must be serviced annually. As you get ready for winter, fall is the best time of year to have your HVAC system inspected. It’s best to inspect your HVAC system immediately if it hasn’t been in a while. Even though you might not think it’s necessary to have an annual checkup, prevention is always better than cure.
Anyone who has had to deal with a heating system failure in winter knows how problematic and costly it can be. HVAC equipment can be maintained to extend its life and keep it running at its best.
Bottom Line on Tips For Your Heater in Winter
These are the top winter HVAC tips that will help to keep your HVAC system in good condition before winter arrives and during the winter season in North Charlotte and Charlotte Metro. Remember, HVAC maintenance should always be performed by a licensed HVAC technician.
Contact Travis Crawford Heating Cooling & Plumbing to schedule your HVAC maintenance visit today.
