As we advance further into the cold season, we’ll soon be turning our heaters on during the day and not just at night. Naturally, the more we use our heaters, the more wear and tear we’ll be putting them through. Paying extra close attention to them can help you find some repair problems before they arise. Also, now’s the perfect time to assess if your HVAC system is doing everything it needs to.
In this post, we’ll give you some advice on how to assess your system.
1. Quick Furnace Check
Before getting into the worst of the cold season, there are a few things you can check up on.
- The Air Filter: Do you remember when you had your air filter changed last? If it wasn’t at least by the end of the last cold season, then it needs to be done now. A clogged air filter can take a gradual toll on your HVAC system’s efficiency, in addition to causing overheating or—in the case of a gas furnace—create the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
- Thermostat Programming: Are you using a heating program that makes sense for your goals? If you’ve decided this is the year you’ll be cutting down on monthly expenses, you’ll need to make sure that your thermostat’s schedule is updated to a proper energy saving strategy.
- Age/Performance Assessment: How has your heater been holding up? Did it need to have repairs more than once last year? If your heater is older than 10 years, now is the time to keep an eye on performance. Frequent repairs could mean it’s time for replacement.
2. Maintenance Tune-Up
Next, you’ll want to consider getting maintenance now rather than later. It’s recommended to have maintenance before you actually start using the heater, but we’d prefer later than never (but truly, we prefer early to late). If you’re too late on your maintenance, your heater might end up suffering from a serious repair issue. There’s no telling how severe that repair issue will be, so it’s anyone’s guess how much it will cost to fix.
3. Air Quality Testing
If you’ve never thought about air quality, the colder months is the perfect time to start. Our body’s immune systems are weaker in the cold, which can exacerbate the effects of existing air quality issues. If you’ve never had any kind of air quality check before, we suggest getting a test from an indoor air quality expert in Westlake, OH.
- Indoor Pollutants: Various indoor pollutants—from pet dander and pollen to toxic chemicals—can be trapped or eliminated or with various air treatment products. Air filters and air purifiers can go a long way toward improving your air quality.
- Dry Air: If the wind and cold air dries out your home in fall and winter, a whole-house humidifier can be a big help. Not only can it make you feel more comfortable, but a proper level of moisture is needed for your sinuses to work properly.
