Winter is coming. And although we don’t experience too many blizzards in Murrieta, California, it still gets cold enough to turn on the heater and snuggle up with some hot cocoa. Before the temperature starts to drop, it is important to prepare your heating system for the winter weather.
At On Time Home Services, we see most heating system repairs happen in the winter after homeowners skip maintenance in the fall. To help you keep your heater operating at peak efficiency, here are five tips to prepare your HVAC for winter.
1. Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter is critical for keeping dust, pollen, and bacteria trapped inside your ducts instead of blowing into the air you breathe. But if it becomes clogged with too many airborne particles, it becomes less effective. We recommend changing your filter every 1-3 months. If it has been a while since you thought to change your air filter, be sure to replace it this fall before you turn on your heater.
2. Clean Your Air Ducts
All of the dust, pollen, and bacteria that your air filter keeps out of your home ends up sitting inside your ductwork. It’s a good idea to periodically clean your air ducts to remove these particles from your HVAC system. You can DIY your air duct cleaning with tools at home, but it’s also a good idea to schedule professional air duct cleaning sometimes. If you are interested in professional cleaning, our technicians at On Time Home Services can help.
3. Inspect Your Furnace and Vents
Do a visual inspection of your furnace and ventilation before you turn it on and after you turn it on. If you notice anything that looks or sounds out of the ordinary, call and schedule a professional inspection.
4. Test Your Thermostat
Once you have turned your furnace on, see if it is heating your home effectively and efficiently according to your thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, go ahead and set it up to heat your home according to your schedule. You can leave the heat off or run at a lower temp while the house is empty, and then program your thermostat to turn the heat up a few minutes before you return home each day.
5. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
The best time for heating system maintenance is in the fall. Once winter weather arrives, your heater will be working hard to keep you warm. Problems can present themselves and cause your heater to shut down during the coldest part of the year, leaving you stuck waiting for repairs. If you schedule a tune-up with professional HVAC technicians this fall, you can avoid expensive repairs in winter.
Do you still need to prepare your HVAC for winter?
If you haven’t scheduled fall maintenance on your HVAC yet, or if you think it might be time for professional air duct cleaning, give us a call today. Our team of NATE-certified technicians will be happy to help you prepare your HVAC for winter.
Are you looking for professional HVAC maintenance or air duct cleaning services near Murrieta, California? On Time Home Services has a team of NATE-certified and experienced HVAC technicians who are here to help prepare your HVAC for winter! Give us a call at 951-474-0911.