The Ultimate Winter HVAC Preventative Maintenance Guide

Cold winter temperatures often require your heating system to work harder to heat your home. Because it is used more frequently, regular maintenance is even more important to keep it running smoothly. What are the most important winter HVAC preventive maintenance tips? Every month, replace the air filter to ensure that warm air flows freely without overworking the system. Learn more about how to maintain your HVAC system so that it can keep your home warm all winter.

Why Is HVAC Preventative Maintenance Important In The Winter?

Checking and maintaining your heating system not only ensures that it is running efficiently, but it can also help you save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs. Our winter HVAC tips will explain how to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC system and which steps are most important.

1. Change Your Air Filter

One of the most important HVAC preventative maintenance tips is to perform this simple task. An HVAC air filter removes impurities from the air that circulates through the system. However, if the filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, it can restrict airflow, making the system work harder. It may also emit harmful impurities into the air, lowering air quality.

Checking and replacing the filter once a month ensures that clean, warm air circulates throughout your home. It also reduces energy bills and keeps your HVAC unit from overworking, preventing breakdowns and repairs.

2. Examine The Vents

We recommend checking the HVAC vents for accumulated dust and dirt when you check your air filter. These impurities can degrade the air quality in your home and cause blockages that strain the system. If there is a lot of debris in the air vents, you can vacuum them with a hose attachment or hire a professional to clean them.

3. Add Insulation As Necessary

Making sure your attic is well-insulated is an investment in your home and HVAC system. Proper insulation keeps warm air inside and cold air outside your home. It also reduces the strain on your HVAC system, saving you money on heating and making it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

How do you know if the insulation in your attic is adequate? It should be sufficient to obscure your view of the floor joists. If this isn’t the case, think about adding more insulation to your attic or speaking with an HVAC technician.

4. Reprogramming The Thermostat

One of the most important winter HVAC tips is to reprogramme your thermostat when you’re heating your home on a daily basis. Lowering your thermostat at night and when no one will be home protects the system and lowers your energy bills. Because these simple tips are easy to overlook, investing in a programmable thermostat will ensure they are carried out automatically. These thermostats allow you to program different temperatures for different times of day without having to manually adjust them each time.

5. Obtain An Inspection

Annual inspections are an important part of HVAC preventative maintenance. A professional technician can detect signs of wear and tear, clean the system, and ensure it is running efficiently.

While professional inspections are best scheduled in the fall, having a professional inspection during the winter can help your system meet the rest of the season’s demands.

6. Cover The Outside Air Conditioning Unit

Another simple HVAC preventative maintenance tip that can help you avoid bigger problems is to cover your outside AC unit. Covering the unit during the winter months keeps debris at bay and protects it from ice, snow, and even animal infestation. Most home improvement stores have outdoor covers on hand.

7. HVAC Maintenance Contracts

Using an HVAC maintenance agreement is an excellent way to keep your system running at peak efficiency. Not only will such an agreement ensure that your seasonal checkups are completed on time, but it also means that you will receive priority service in the event of equipment failure or other problems. A HVAC maintenance contract will give you peace of mind while also saving you money in the long run.