Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your HVAC system is running this winter.
Cold weather is here in St. Louis, and all of our day to day lives change as a result. One thing you want to remain constant, though, is the functionality of your HVAC system. This is especially true given that the temperatures are dropping and you don’t want to be left out in the cold due to a malfunction. Here are some practical steps you can take.
Change Your Filter
While this recommendation isn’t specific to snowfall, it is one of the crucial pieces of maintenance that you should consider adhering to. The reason is that the dirt and debris that gets caught in your filter is among the most common reasons HVAC systems break down prematurely. The rule of thumb regarding replacing filters is to do so every ninety days (this may be different depending on the size of your filter), which matches up perfectly with the change of the seasons. Still, you may want to check your filter monthly to make sure everything looks right.
Check the System Before Cold Weather Comes
Anyone that lives in Missouri knows that the winter gets very cold. That being said, the summer is often so hot that people don’t use their furnace for many months. The trap they fall into is that they do not realize their system needs maintenance until winter comes. This mistake can be a disaster, as you might be without heat for days before you get your system fixed. Be sure to test your furnace before cold weather comes if you want to avoid this pitfall.
Conduct a Basic Inspection
While you’re not an HVAC expert, you can likely detect obvious issues with your system. To do so, go to your furnace and do a visual inspection. Remove any objects that are too close to it if needed. Next, turn it on and listen for abnormal noises. If you hear something that sounds problematic, it likely is. Give your HVAC technician a call.
Program Your Thermostat
You likely don’t want your heat pumping all day while you’re at work. Additionally, you probably want your system to be on through the night and morning. Whatever your preference is, make sure your thermostat reflects that. You can make that happen by programming it to heat your home once it hits a specific temperature. Additionally, smarter systems can stop and start based on what time of day it is.
Call for Regular Maintenance
Lastly, the change in seasons is an excellent time to catch up on regular maintenance. What you can do is hire a local company and have them come out to your home. They will make sure that your system is running smoothly and there are no hazards you need to watch out for. Once you have that check done, you will have peace of mind throughout the season.
Though winter is a wonderful time, it can be much less enjoyable for those with HVAC problems. Fortunately, taking some basic preparation steps can save you from that discomfort and frustration. Of course, if your system ends up breaking down despite your best efforts, you can always give Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating a call. CALL NOW 24/7: (314) 471-7625