Professional Heating Services Prepare Your HVAC for Jack Frost’s Arrival
Winter is coming. Although many people are familiar with this expression because of the hit television show Game of Thrones, it also serves as a warning that your HVAC system needs attention before temperatures drop.
By ensuring that your heater is in good working order ahead of time, you can avoid getting stuck in the cold and keep energy costs down. In addition, routine heating maintenance extends the lifespan of your unit and prevents you from having to replace it sooner than necessary.
Keep reading to learn more about winterizing your HVAC and how a professional like Meyer Heating & Air can help you stay warm and cozy throughout the season.
Perform Heating Maintenance by Changing Your Air Filter
When it comes to heating maintenance, most people know they should change their air filter. But why and how often? Air filters are designed to capture dirt, dust, and other pollutants that could affect your health and comfort at home.
A dirty or clogged filter not only impacts your indoor air quality, but also makes your unit work harder. This can ultimately hinder your furnace’s efficiency, causing it to overheat and short cycle. It can also be responsible for other elements failing prematurely, like the circuit board, blower motor, capacitor, and inducer motor.
It’s best practice to check your filter on a monthly basis to see if it needs to be swapped. If light doesn’t pass through it when you hold it up to a light source, take it as a sign that you need a replacement. If you don’t have kids or pets, you may be able to switch out your filter every 60 to 90 days, instead. Make it a point to review your system’s manual to be sure you get the right filter type, size, and rating.
Reprogram Your Thermostat as Part of Heating Maintenance
Your interior temperature needs are much different in the winter than they are in the summer. If you have a smart thermostat, you’ll want to set a new schedule that fits your lifestyle and accounts for daylight saving time ending as part of your heating maintenance. It’s a good idea to lower your thermostat’s temperature several degrees when you sleep or know you won’t be home, so you’re not wasting energy. This also keeps your seasonal utility bills low.
If your thermostat lacks a programming function, it certainly pays to upgrade. At the very least, though, you should replace your device’s batteries. The last thing you want is to wake up on a cold morning with a dead thermostat that hasn’t triggered your HVAC to start heating your home.
Pay Attention to How Your Furnace Turns On
Ever heard your furnace “click” as it turns on? That’s the electric ignition. When the thermostat calls for heat, this device ignites the furnace’s burners, so warm air can flow throughout the house.
If you’re having trouble getting your furnace to run – or you hear the “click,” but nothing happens – your ignitor could be the culprit. Located behind the service panel on the side of your furnace, your system’s ignitor is best left to the professionals. Without the proper knowledge and tools to test your ignitor, you can not only damage your heater, but you also risk shocking or burning yourself.
Schedule residential heating services with our team of experts if you suspect a problem with your ignitor. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the issue to ensure you remain comfortable inside when the temperatures outside are below freezing.
Winterize Your HVAC with a Good Clean
Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can build up in and around your heater, which can negatively affect your system’s performance and even cause a breakdown in some cases. To avoid any problems, add cleaning to your heating maintenance checklist.
Before starting, make sure your furnace is turned off. You can use a damp cloth or soft-tip paint brush on your unit’s inner components to loosen debris without damaging any parts. A dusting cloth also comes in handy for your furnace’s exterior.
Once you’ve released some of the buildup, use a shop vacuum’s long nozzle attachment to thoroughly remove any leftover debris. You’ll be able to clean areas that are harder to reach as well, like the fan blower.
Don’t forget to clean your vents and adjust the dampers in the main part of your house, either. In general, we recommend closing dampers to a home’s upstairs in the winter, allowing heat to rise naturally as it’s distributed.
Schedule Residential Heating Services with a Local HVAC Expert
Perhaps the most important step in winterizing your HVAC is scheduling a professional inspection. Our technicians specialize in heating maintenance and have an eye for details, meaning they can catch even small issues before they grow.
We’ve built our reputation as the trusted resource for heating, cooling, and energy efficiency in St. Louis, and you’ll see our commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences every time we visit your home. You can be confident that when you partner with Meyer Heating & Air, you’re getting the best team for the job.
We provide heating services all throughout the metro, including in cities near you like Ballwin, O’Fallon, Fenton, and St. Charles. What’s more, scheduling is fast and easy. You can book an appointment with just a few clicks on our website.
To learn more about our heating services and how we can help you get your HVAC ready for colder weather, call (314) 845-1929.
