Wintertime is on its way to Northern California, and with it comes seasonal festivities, a myriad of holiday-themed dishes, and, of course, cooler temperatures. While prepping for the winter may seem as easy as breaking out the heavy jackets and bundling up, it’s important to take some time to ensure the home’s heating system is still up and running, as it likely hasn’t been used since last winter. Before the outdoor cold creeps inside, follow these tips from our HVAC maintenanceteam at Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning and keep your home or business properly heated this winter season.
Replace The Air Filters
Air filters help keep debris, allergens, and other impurities out of the air inside of a home or business — over time, absorbed allergens accumulate within the filter. This can lead to your HVAC unit working overtime as it tries to warm the property, and can eventually result in increased wear-and-tear on internal components if not addressed.
Depending on the type of filter inside of your furnace, take some time to either replace or clean the filter prior to starting it up for the first time. This can easily save money in the long run, as less debris on the furnace means less need for heating system repairs.
Check The Vents & AC Ducts
If any component of your HVAC system is outdoors, it’s likely that fallen debris such as small branches, leaves, or even bird’s nests have accumulated in or around the system, leading to reduced airflows, and even potential damages such as cracks. Take some time to brush away any of these loose materials prior to starting the furnace, and clear away any other materials as the winter progresses. Once the outside area is taken care of, use a vacuum cleaner to clear away any dust or other debris that may be restricting airflow on the interior portions of the vents and AC ducts.
Remove Items That May Obstruct Airflow
Furniture, carpets, curtains, and various types of general household items can easily be moved on top of a floor or wall vent. When it comes time to turn on the heater for the winter, home and business owners can be left scratching their heads as they try to figure out why heat isn’t properly flowing through the house. Before scheduling furnace maintenance services, spend some time moving any items that may be restricting airflow either to the furnace or to the vents throughout the home. Most importantly, ensure no flammable objects have been left around the furnace, as this poses a safety hazard and can easily lead to a disastrous situation.
Check The Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the amount of work the furnace has to do — if the temperature drops below the set threshold inside the house, the furnace will click on. Should the thermostat lose its calibration, it may click on at the wrong time or fail to shut off the furnace when the appropriate temperature has been reached, resulting in an inefficient system that wastes both energy and money. If the thermostat in your home or business is old or out of date, consider replacing it with a newer, programmable model that can help better regulate temperatures and cut down on heating costs.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Early
The winter season is one of the busiest times of the year for an HVAC company. As temperatures began to drop and home and business owners attempt to click on their furnace for the first time in a year, many discover that an issue has developed. Rather than waiting until the cold temperatures start making their way inside, contact Spoor’s Heating & Air Conditioning for heating & furnace repair services before the big winter rush. With routine maintenance, your HVAC system can stay in optimal shape and keep providing your home or business with proper heating.