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Winter is finally here. That means temperatures will continue to drop as most homeowners get their heating systems fired up as they begin to hunker down for the cold winter months to come. If you have neglected your heating and cooling systems for too long, you could find yourself left out in the cold this winter. Nearly 75% of all heating system or furnace service calls that are made during the winter could have been avoided with regular system maintenance. You need to be sure that your family isn’t left to freeze this winter. Here are some HVAC maintenance tips for wintertime comfort and cost savings:

Clean Or Replace Air Filters

Even though it is one of the simplest and easiest ways to ensure your heating system is running smoothly, many people fail to clean or replace their air filters over the course of the year. It is important to understand why air filters are necessary for the health of your heating and cooling system. Air filters hold an important function in keeping your family safe. In fact, they protect against mold, pollen, animal fur, bacteria/microorganisms, dust and dirt, fibers and lint, and metal, plaster, or wood particles. The air filtration occurs when the disbursed air is sucked back into the HVAC system where it is then conditioned and used again.

When your heating system or furnace has dirty or clogged air filters, it unnecessarily drives up energy bills and causes problems in your system. When airflow is blocked it causes system malfunctions and equipment damage. In order to prevent this, be sure to check your air filters at least once a month, especially during the fall and winter when your heating system is working harder.

Have Your Air Vents Cleaned

Much like air filters, your air vents play a crucial role in the maintenance of your system. Just as we clean our homes to get rid of nasty dust and dirt particles off of the floor and carpet, your air vents need to be cleaned too. With that being said, it is best to leave this to the professionals as their vacuums are more powerful than the standard household vacuum which allows the ducts to be cleaned more thoroughly. Most of the contaminants and particulates in the air that passes through your HVAC system are trapped in the air filter, but, over time, some are able to pass through and build up in the ductwork. One easy way to stay on top of your air vent cleaning is to have a professional perform the cleaning at the same time they perform your air filter cleaning.

If you are seeing that your air vents have built up an excessive amount of dust and debris, you may need to have them cleaned by a certified HVAC professional. Having your air vents professionally cleaned helps to prevent blockages and indoor air pollution. With a clean air vent, warm air will be able to flow freely, easing temperature regulation throughout your home. 

Check Your Insulation

Insulation is one of the most important lines of defense when it comes to keeping the cold out of your home during winter. In fact, insulation plays a huge role in regulating the overall energy efficiency of your home. With poor insulation, you may have certain rooms that always feel cold despite the heat running at a comfortable temperature. This causes your energy bills to spike and leaves you feeling uncomfortable throughout different areas of your home. The more heat you are able to keep inside, the less your heating system gas to work to keep the temperature consistent.

The first thing to check is your attic insulation. If you aren’t sure if your insulation is adequate, contact a certified HVAC technician to inspect and diagnose your insulation needs. There are many different types of insulation and a professional will be able to assist you in choosing the right fit for your home.

Program Your Thermostat

Sometimes, an inefficient heating system is all due to thermostat usage. Are you properly using your thermostat to help you keep energy costs down while remaining comfortable in your own home? Having a programmable thermostat will enable you to turn the temperature down during times when you are not home and automatically adjust to times when you are. This ensures you are not wasting energy while you are not home. In fact, you can save as much as 10% a year on your energy costs by simply turning your thermostat back by 7-10° for up to 8 hours a day.

Have Your HVAC System Inspected

Have you performed all of these tasks yet still find your heating system unreliable and inefficient? It may be time for a routine maintenance checkup by a certified HVAC professional technician. Having your HVAC system inspected regularly by a licensed professional ensures that it is running properly no matter the time of the year. Now is the time to have your system inspected before a minor malfunction turns into a complete catastrophe that leaves you without heat in the freezing cold of winter. By turning to a trusted and knowledgeable professional, you can ensure you are comfortable all year long.

Replace Your HVAC System

Like all things, you HVAC system has a lifespan. Unfortunately, that means that eventually it will fail and you will need to have it replaced with a newer, more efficient model. If you have had your HVAC system thoroughly maintained and inspected yet are still having a myriad of problems with your system, it may be time for a replacement. HVAC systems that are older than 10-15 years old are highly inefficient and cause a multitude of problems for you and your family. Working with a certified HVAC professional will ensure that you get the HVAC system that is right for you and your family. 

Conclusion

If you contact the experienced, friendly, and professionals at Home Comfort Experts, they will perform their signature 20-point maintenance and safety inspection. This in-depth inspection goes further than any competitor to ensure every single part of your system is thoroughly inspected and serviced. Ask about joining the Comfort Club, Home Comfort Expert’s exclusive membership that guarantees appointments and provides valuable free services and discounts on repairs. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.