With winter temperatures not too far away, make sure your home’s HVAC system is ready. Let our experts at Tim’s Southern Air prepare it for everyday use!
Although winters in Broussard aren’t usually a cause for concern, caring for your home’s HVAC system should be a priority. When an inevitable cold front does come around, you’ll want to be prepared for that chilly low temperature night!To learn more about ways to prepare your heating system before winter, we have compiled some tips to ensure your home will be comfy this season.
Maintenance
Assessing your system’s function during the fall is great prep for cooler months. But, scheduling routine HVAC tune-ups is the best way to ensure your overall system is operating as it should, and for as many years as possible.
During regular HVAC maintenance visits, professional technicians will let you know if any part(s) of your system needs to be addressed before that cold front hits. If you notice any strange noises or odors coming from your system, let the technician know ahead of time. This helps them know what to look for and make the most of their time.
The best time to plan a heating and A/C tune-up is during the off-seasons (either spring or fall) when you don’t use your furnace or A/C as much. Scheduling bi-annual visits with us will keep your home comfy and cozy until Spring!
Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat to the lowest temperature you are comfortable with during winter. This does more than just help cut down on energy use and the price of your utility bill. Lowering the temperature also keeps your heater from working for long periods of time it doesn’t need to be – like while you are at work or in bed asleep under your warm comforter. All things wear down with use and your heater is no exception.
If you don’t already have one, investing in either a programmable or smart thermostat is worth it. These products ensure your home is comfy and efficient, without the burden of remembering to adjust the temperature before walking out the door. They help you track energy use, consumption and adjust your home’s temperature using a smartphone app, even while you’re away from home.
Air Filters and Vents
Air filters are easy to neglect, but forcing your system to operate with dirty filters is a bad idea. If you aren’t sure how quickly your filters get dirty, check them once a month and always keep extra filters on hand. The general rule of thumb is to change them at least once every 90 days. Dirty air filters and vents can cause your HVAC unit to overheat or lead to inefficient airflow, ventilation blockages and indoor air pollution – all of which can prevent your unit from functioning.
Window and Door Seals
Deteriorating seals are a common obstacle preventing efficient energy usage and HVAC function year-round. Luckily, this is an easy problem to get fixed.
Look for cracks around your home that may allow air to escape – specifically, around doors, window frames, corners and areas where siding/brick meet your home’s foundation. Any visible cracks and gaps in these areas may result in heat loss during winter. To reseal any cracks or gaps, have the caulk work and weatherstripping redone.
Test System
Before a cold front hits, one good way to make sure your heating system works is to test it ahead of time. All you need to do is turn it on and let it run for at least 30 minutes to determine if it is functioning properly. Try running it three separate times during the fall to assess its operation and, if something seems amiss, call us for a heater tune-up to repair any issues before winter.
Be Prepared
Don’t wait until the cold weather has arrived to check in on your heating system! Book a heating tune-up and schedule a repair or regular HVAC maintenance with us today. We’ll make sure you aren’t left out in the cold!
Contact Tim’s Southern Air today!