Do you know what you need to do for your HVAC system during the winter?
How cold is it near you? Winter is finally here, and it’s definitely been a cold one already, Do you know what to do during the winter to keep your gas furnace in peak condition? There’s nothing worse than a “no heat” emergency during the holidays!
Here are some things you should add to your winter HVAC to-do list.
Make sure all of your vents and registers are opened. Poor airflow can be a real performance and efficiency killer for air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, you name it!
Change your furnace filter regularly. If you have pets, you may want to consider changing your furnace filter every month. If you don’t, you still want to consider changing your furnace filter at the beginning of each season. This is to ensure proper airflow and the highest quality indoor air.
Dust or vacuum debris from your vents. No, its not a substitute for a proper duct cleaning, but you want to make sure that things aren’t falling into your vents or registers – obstructing airflow and lowering indoor air quality.
Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. During combustion, one of the gases produced is carbon monoxide. Since it is a colorless, odorless gas you want to make sure you have something that can detect it and keep your family safe.
Rearrange your furniture so that the main living/seating areas aren’t by drafty windows. This can help you feel warmer and help you resist the temptation to raise the thermostat a few degrees on really cold days.
Did you remember to get your gas furnace checked before the start of the heating season? If not, you can always have a contractor come out and inspect it during the winter. Just be aware, this is a busy season for contractors. It may take them awhile to get to your job.
What do you have on your winter home to-do list?
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Winter is just around the corner! Are you ready?
The first polar vortex is moving through this week! Although these temperatures are “old hat” to people further north, it can catch people a little further south off guard. Make sure you stay on your toes this winter to protect your home, and your HVAC equipment, from damage caused by snow and ice!
Of course you’re never going to be able to protect your outdoor equipment from ALL kinds of winter damage, but you can avoid a few of them by following some simple steps.
If you run a heat pump during the winter…make sure the unit has proper airflow. Remember, both air conditioners and heat pumps rely on an uninhibited airflow in order to work properly and efficiently. Your heat pump won’t be able to do that if it is encased in ice or covered in snow!
When warmer temperatures come back…have your contractor come out and inspect the outdoor components of your HVAC system. The snow and ice may have knocked something lose, damaged a component or deposited debris into your condenser! It’s also just a good idea to get your cooling system inspected before you switch to cooling mode.
Are you prepared for winter? If you think that something may have happened to your equipment during a snow or ice storm, make sure you contact a local heating and air conditioning contractor – never DIY!
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Are cold days on the horizon?
Thanksgiving is this Thursday, which means winter is just around the corner. The temperatures are dropping, and, for many areas of the country, the need for cooling is dwindling. For those of us who switch over to heat during the winter, make sure you take the steps to ensure that your cooling equipment is protected.
If you’re done with your air conditioner for the season, here are some things you should add to your to-do list.
Schedule a condenser cleaning with your air conditioning contractor. Your contractor is going to be able to do the best job getting all the debris and dirt off of your air conditioning condenser (the box that sits outside). Of course, you can always spray down your unit by yourself, but if you want a thorough cleansing, call a professional. If you do decide to spray down your air conditioner, make sure it is not too chilly. You don’t want anything freezing.
These are just a few things you can do to get your home ready for winter. Want more advice? Check out our previous post on getting your home ready for winter.
What do you do every year to make sure your air conditioner stays safe during winter?
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Don’t let winter catch you unprepared.
Winter will be here before you know it! Is your home ready for the colder temperatures? This fall has been very mild; it may be difficult to think of snowy days and subzero temperatures. BUT, for many areas of the country, meteorologists are predicting an unusually cold winter. Are you sure your home is up to the challenge?
There are some things you should add to your home maintenance to-do list before winter arrives. Take advantage of the semi-warm weather now!
- Clean your gutters.
- Schedule a professional home energy audit.
- Have your ducts cleaned and inspected.
- Adjust your programmable thermostat settings to reflect the season.
- Change your furnace filter (or clean your permanent one).
- Seal any air leaks.
- Invest in weather stripping.
- Clear leaves and debris away from your outdoor equipment.
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Clear clutter away from your indoor equipment.
- Rake the leaves in your yard.
- Schedule furnace maintenance with a local HVAC contractor.
What do you have to add to this list? Do you think your home is ready for winter?
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Deck the home with weather stripping and insulation!
Thanksgiving is just a couple short weeks away. The holiday season will be in full swing! And, while the holiday season can be a great time of year for food and family, it can be challenging financially.
As we’ve already discussed in previous blog posts, the cost of heating your home during the colder months is going to make up the better part of your utility bill spending. That’s why it can be helpful to do small maintenance tasks around your home to save where you can.
Perform a home energy audit/assessment. This can be the first step to creating a more energy efficient home. If can give you a good baseline and indicate where your home may be underperforming in the efficiency department. You can perform one yourself or hire a professional.
Seal air leaks. These may be discovered during a home energy audit. Make sure, whether they are in your attic or around your windows and doors, you are taking the appropriate steps to successfully close those leaks. Sealing leaks can result in shorter run times for your heating and air conditioning equipment and less energy consumed. Less energy consumed means more money in your pocket. Air leaks can be sealed with insulation or weather stripping. Ask a professional which is the best solution for your particular situation.
See if your HVAC equipment is compatible with a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are preferable to non-programmable models. Want to know why? Programmable thermostats provide increased temperature accuracy, greater comfort and energy savings through scheduling capabilities. Plus, there are Wi-Fi enabled models that can give you remote access to your thermostat – you can make adjustments away from the physical box on the wall.
Lower the temperature your thermostat is set at before holiday get-togethers. Did you know that the more people are in your home, the warmer it feels? Makes sense when you think about it – more body heat. AND, if you are the one cooking the turkey, the oven can provide additional heat.
Schedule a furnace clean and check with your local HVAC contractor. This is by far the BEST thing you can do for your furnace during the fall. Nothing puts a damper on a party more than a “no heat” call. And, the cleaning tasks that your contractor will perform may give your furnace a boost in efficiency. Do some research and hire a local qualified HVAC contractor.
Are you hosting the holidays this year? What other things do you do around the home to get it ready for the holidays?
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Stop right there! DIY furnace maintenance is a big no-no!
Your heating and air conditioning equipment is an investment in both comfort and utility bill savings. In fact, are you aware that HVAC equipment comprises the majority of your utility expenses? That’s why it pays to invest in efficiency.
Because your heating and air conditioning equipment is so important, you have to make sure that you are taking care of it. Scheduling preventative maintenance for your air conditioner in the spring and your gas furnace in the fall is a must for efficient performance. However, the key word is “scheduling”. It is never a good idea to try and maintain your furnace by yourself unless you are a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor.
Of course, there are a few little things you can do (like changing a furnace filter), but beyond those little things, you should not touch your heating and air equipment. Here are some reasons why.
Heating and air conditioning equipment is complicated. In fact, some heating and air conditioning equipment requires special training for even a trained HVAC contractor. That high-efficiency gas furnace isn’t going to do you much good if it is installed incorrectly.
DIY is dangerous. A gas furnace deals with natural gas, ignition equipment and proper ventilation. Improper installation or maintenance that tinkers with any of the systems that deal with making this equipment safe can gave severe repercussions.
It is going to end up costing you more in the long run…trust us. Think it’s expensive to hire a professional? Just tally up the costs of going with just anybody. You may think you’re saving money now, but you could pay all of those savings back in replacement, repairs and inefficient performance! Trust us, pick up the phone and save yourself the hassle.
Do you have a trusty local contractor that you rely on for maintenance each year?
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Identifying various furnace issues
It’s never a good day when you go to turn your furnace on, and you aren’t greeted by warm air. But, don’t break out the tools! It doesn’t matter what the circumstances may be, we strongly discourage DIY HVAC repairs.
This is particularly important to remember when it comes to gas furnaces. These units deal with a lot of components that must be hooked together correctly. If you try your hand at a DIY repair, you could end up dealing with much bigger issues than a cold home.
Here are some more minor issues that could be the cause of a no heat call. Check these things first, but drop the wrench as soon as things get too complicated. ALWAYS call an HVAC professional.
Check your thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set to a lower temperature than the temperature of your home, you are not going to receive warm air. If it’s cold in your home, raise the temperature settings on your thermostat.
Did you remember to have the gas turned on? If you’ve just recently moved into your home, and your furnace is the only appliance that takes gas, this can be a very real concern. Think back to move-in time. Did you remember to give the gas company a call?
Check the power. Is it plugged in? Gas furnaces need electricity as well as gas to run during the winter. Maybe you forgot to turn it back on/plug it back in after you changed your furnace filter? Your unit may also not be receiving power due to an issue at the circuit breaker. Check to make sure a circuit has not been tripped.
Remember, cutting corners now can have major financial repercussion in the future. Take the time to hire the right contractor for the job.
Have you had to turn your gas furnace on yet?
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How does airflow affect your heating and cooling system?
What exactly is airflow? You can probably guess that airflow in heating and air conditioning is just that – the measurement of air flowing through your heating and air conditioning system. Airflow is important when it comes to the performance and longevity of your HVAC equipment. Restricted airflow can lead to problems, including: hot and cold spots, increased utility bills spending, decreased efficiency and even system malfunctions that lead to an early replacement!
So, what kind of things can lead to restricted airflow?
- Improper clearance around outdoor heating and air conditioning equipment.
- A dirty/clogged furnace filter.
- A filter that is too efficient for your particular HVAC system.
- Collapsed, missing or blocked ductwork.
- Leaves and debris around your outdoor heating and air conditioning equipment.
- Dirty equipment.
- Closed registers and vents throughout your home.
A way that you can avoid restricted airflow is by scheduling preventative maintenance with your local heating and air conditioning contractor. They can come out and clean the appropriate parts of your system and make sure that everything is operating the way that it should be.
What was the last time you changed your furnace filter?
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When was the last time you changed your furnace filter?
If the answer is “I don’t know” you may want to go take a peek at it. It’s important that you change your furnace filter often – AT LEAST once before the heating season and again during the cooling season. But, you may want to consider changing it at least once a season or even once a month – particularly if you live with an allergy sufferer or have pets. A dirty air filter can cause a whole hose of problems.
Here are just a few consequences of letting your furnace filter get too grimy.
Reduced indoor air quality. This hardly needs an explanation. Your filter traps all of the unwanted particles you don’t want in your air. If your filter is clogged, the dust and dirt that was previously trapped by the filter may be recirculated through your home!
Inadequate heating and cooling. Reduced airflow can result in uneven temperatures throughout your home because it is harder for the system to move the air. This will negatively impact your home comfort.
Increased utility bills due to reduced energy efficiency. Parts of your HVAC system have to work harder to move air through your heating and cooling system. This means your equipment is going to consume more energy. This leads to increased utility bills – your electricity bill in particular!
Frozen evaporator coils. One effect of reduced airflow due to a dirty filter is a frozen evaporator coil (a part of your heating and air conditioning system that is located inside your home). Condensation that is formed during the cooling process can freeze on the outside of the coil and reduce your unit’s ability to cool your home. This may eventually lead to a complete system breakdown!
In extreme cases, furnace failure. All of the above-mentioned problems put additional strain on your air distribution equipment (your blower in particular). If this component gives out, not only are you going to be without your heating and air conditioning system, but you could be looking at a costly repair.
These are different procedures for permanent and temporary filters. Make sure you ask your contractor about proper air filter changing practices. If you can’t find your filter, make sure you contact your local HVAC professional.
How often do you change your furnace filter? How do you remind yourself?
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Have you scheduled your fall furnace maintenance appointment yet?
It may only be the first full week of fall, but you want to make sure that you have fall furnace maintenance on your radar. Do you know what a contractor actually does during a preventative maintenance appointment? Understanding what your contractor does can really shine some light on why scheduling an appointment is critical for long-term heating system health.
Remember, fall maintenance is the best way to avoid an emergency “no heat” service call over the winter. It is also a great way to catch minor issues that could affect the performance of your system. Better performance can mean savings on your utility bills each month.
If you have a furnace in your home, your contractor will:
- Clean components like the burner and heat exchanger (if necessary).
- Look over your venting system and make sure that it is operating correctly.
- Check the equipment for rust, soot, leaks, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires.
If you have a heat pump that you use during the winter, your contractor will:
- Clean the indoor evaporator coil if necessary.
- Check the refrigerant level.
- Make sure the compressor and outdoor fan motor are operating properly.
- Inspect all electrical connections.
- Clean the furnace or air handler blower assembly and check for proper operation.
In addition, you should have someone come out and inspect your ductwork. This way they can check for any obstructions, collapses, leaks, etc. A faulty air distribution system can affect comfort performance.
Don’t delay! Make sure you call your local heating and air conditioning contractor to schedule maintenance.
Do you always remember to schedule yearly maintenance? Did you know that some manufacturers require ongoing maintenance for full warranty protection?