6 Tips to Get Your HVAC System Ready for the Cold Season

It’s beginning to get a little chilly, and in a few weeks’ time, the temperatures will be pretty unbearably low, so, you’re going to have to use your heating system more. But since it hasn’t been running for so many months, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare it for yet another busy season.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted HVAC company in Circle Pines MN. We are experts at helping homeowners like you make sure their homes are comfortable all year round.

Be on top of your filters.

The filter is the easiest part of your HVAC system to maintain, and yet it performs a critical part in the overall performance of your unit. It protects your system from unwanted dust, debris, and other elements that can affect its usefulness. A dirty filter can cause several problems in your HVAC system, which can be pretty costly if ignored. It compromises airflow, which results in overheating and higher energy consumption. When left unattended, this issue will lead to a faster deterioration of internal parts. To avoid these problems, be sure to clean or replace your air filters before operating your HVAC system this fall. Your user’s manual should tell you whether you have a reusable or a replaceable filter.

Keep outdoor units clean.

This season is called Fall for a reason. Falling leaves and other debris can collect in the area surrounding your HVAC system’s outdoor unit, which can hamper its proper functioning. So, to avoid this problem, trim down plants and shrubs and keep an area of about 2 feet around the system free of clutter. Check this spot as often as possible and make sure that branches are not in the way of the unit. To clean the system properly, wear gloves and use a garden hose. This simple step will make sure the unit runs more effortlessly.

Test your heat pump or furnace.

Since your heating system has been sitting idle over the past few months, they should be tested before going into full swing. The best way to do this is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher to warm up your furnace or heat pump. Determine if the system can easily get to the temperature you set. If it takes too long, or it doesn’t turn on, or it blows cold air, have a technician check it and diagnose the problem. Contact a professional before the temperatures go lower and the cold gets more intolerable.

Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.

If you have an older thermostat, consider investing in a new, programmable one, which has the ability to adjust the temperature based on your programmed schedule or who occupies the house at any given time. While there is an initial cost involved in getting such a thermostat, this investment will lead to big savings by minimizing energy use, especially when no one is home. It can be done by simply setting the thermostat a few degrees lower when everybody’s away or asleep.

Inspect your home’s insulation.

No matter the season, you wouldn’t want to waste energy due to leaks or cracks in your ductwork. These holes let out heated air while allowing the cool air from the outside to enter your home. It is recommended to have a professional come by and check your entire duct network for drafts, leaks, and the overall quality of your home’s insulation. When your insulation is up to standards, you can keep the warm air in and the cool air out. This setup is important for both energy efficiency and comfort.

Schedule a professional check-up.

This is the best time of year to have your HVAC system checked by a qualified professional. A team of certified experts will make sure everything is clean and in working order. They can also help you identify any potential issues and give you time to make smaller, preventive repairs before they escalate and become serious problems. While there is an upfront cost, professional maintenance will allow your HVAC system to work as energy-efficient as possible, saving you money on energy in the process.

Ask Four Seasons Air Specialists

Do you want to find out more about preparing your HVAC system for the cold season? Give us a call. We’d love to answer your questions and have our trained professionals ensure your heating system is ready to rock and roll. We are your preferred Shoreview heating company.