As autumn approaches, you may have a list of outdoor landscaping work to do to prepare for winter. Preparing your HVAC system for cooler weather should be on your list, too. Taking preparation and maintenance steps can improve the efficiency of the system as you prepare to use it regularly.
Learn more about the steps you should take to prepare your HVAC system for cold weather.
Testing the Furnace
A few weeks before you need to run the furnace, you should turn it on and test it. By using the thermostat settings to force the furnace to kick on, you’ll be certain the heat exchanger, thermostat, blower, and other components are all working properly.
If your system runs on a propane tank, early autumn is a good time to top off the tank’s level before cool weather hits.
Putting in a New Air Filter
Part of preparing your HVAC system for cooler weather in autumn is checking the air filter. You should usually change or clean your air filter every few months.
As you prepare to run the furnace for the first time in the season, though, it’s important to start with a clean air filter. The changeover from cooling to heating causes different parts of the HVAC system to run, which could kick up extra dust. Having a clean air filter ensures the system catches the dust and starts the season fresh.
Protecting the Outdoor Unit From Weather
The design of the outdoor section of the HVAC unit allows it to stand up to all kinds of weather. However, you may want to put a cover on it to give it extra protection from ice and snow.
The outdoor unit only operates when you’re running the air conditioner. However, don’t add a cover to the outdoor unit until you’re certain you won’t need the air conditioner for the remainder of the season.
Checking Return and Supply Vents
Walk around your home or building and look at all the return and supply registers. Make sure they do not have boxes, dog beds, or other items blocking them. The furnace needs air to flow freely through the return vents, allowing it to operate at top efficiency.
If you have blockages on your supply vents, the heated air will not reach all areas of the home. Some rooms may have cold spots because of blockages. If you have supply vents that you can open and close, make sure they’re all open.
Trust Our Maintenance Technicians To Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter
At BWS Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, our service technicians can perform maintenance on your heating system. We follow a thorough checklist to give your HVAC system the tune-up it needs to run efficiently, which should reduce your energy costs.
Preparing your HVAC system for cooler weather is a vital part of ensuring the longevity of your furnace. The more efficiently it runs, the longer it should last. For a consultation or to set up a service appointment, call us today at (952) 208-5459.
