With warmer temperatures still in full swing, it’s hard to imagine that winter is just around the corner. But before long, the leaves will begin to turn, and the snow will arrive. In anticipation of the upcoming cold winter months, here are some tips for preparing your home for the heating season.
❖ Clean around your outdoor HVAC units, and make sure your exhaust vents are clear as well. Obstructions can cause a significant decrease in energy efficiency, thereby raising your energy bills, and blocked vents can cause dangerous substances like carbon monoxide to build up in your home.
❖ Inspect pipes that run along exterior walls for proper insulation to ensure against freezing. Make sure the water supply to outside spigots is turned off and check for any leaks. Remove and drain water hoses and put them away.
❖ Schedule a maintenance appointment to have your heating system serviced. Haldeman Mechanical’s expert Technicians will perform a thorough cleaning of your unit to ensure that it is running at peak efficiency all winter long and identify any potential problems before they become larger ones.
❖ Check your HVAC air filter prior to the start of the season and replace it at that time if necessary. Also, remember to replace your filter every 3 months for optimal air quality.
❖ Test and change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are all functioning properly. It is important to make sure that you have one of each of these detectors on every level of your home.
❖ Adjust your return vents for the heating season by opening the bottom register and closing the top register. This ensures heat is circulated properly throughout your home to optimize efficiency as well as your family’s comfort.
❖ Whether you use a wood stove to heat your home or have a fireplace for cozy nighttime fires, prepare your chimney for winter with a thorough safety inspection and cleaning.
❖ Fall is also a great time to perform maintenance on your water conditioning equipment. Check water softeners to make sure salt levels are adequate, and add salt if needed. Also, replace under sink, whole house, and refrigerator water filters as well as bulbs for ultraviolet filtration systems.
❖ If your home has ceiling fans, reverse the direction of all the fans for the cold weather season. This forces warm air down to better distribute heat around your home and reduce wear and tear on your heating system.
❖ Install a programmable thermostat to help control winter heating costs. They can be programmed to adjust to your schedule, keeping your home cozy when you’re home and saving energy when you’re away. Smart thermostats can also be controlled from your smartphone for quick and easy access.
❖ If your HVAC system is more than 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it might be time to replace it. Newer, higher efficiency systems require less energy, thereby reducing the amount you spend on heating. Don’t know where to start? Haldeman Mechanical can perform an evaluation to determine your specific needs and recommend the correct system for your home. Contact us today at 717-665-6910.