Winter Heating Checklist For Your Home

When it comes time to think about the colder months of the year, you probably have a list of things that you take care of. You might clean your gutters, winterize your swimming pool, and put foundation plugs into the foundation to block out drafts. Many people forget all about the health of their HVAC system until they suddenly find themselves without heat when it’s snowing outside, however.

The right HVAC company in Lawton, OK, can help you get your home ready for the cold part of the year with ease. You will want a professional to come check on your HVAC system before it gets really chilly to be certain that everything is in good working order. Don’t leave your comfort up to chance this coming winter. Keep reading to find out more about the winter heating checklist you should be using for your home.

Winter Heating Checklist to Use for Any Home

These tips will help you enjoy a comfortable, cozy winter without stressing about the cost of heating your home.

1.     Have an Expert Handle Your Maintenance

One of the best ways to be sure that your winter heating checklist is covered is to have an HVAC technician come check on the health and well-being of your HVAC system well before the cold weather hits. You might discover that there are parts or components in your HVAC setup that need to be replaced or repaired, and the fall is a great time to have this handled.

An HVAC tech can also make sure that your entire system is healthy by checking on the function of your thermostat and by looking at the ductwork. You don’t want to have to suffer in the middle of winter in a cold house while you wait for parts to be ordered. Having an expert come and take a look before the cold weather hits you hard is always a great idea.

2.     Pay Attention to the Behavior of Your System

One of the things that many homeowners don’t pay attention to is the behavior of their HVAC system. Do you hear your HVAC running the fan for longer periods than it used to? Do you have hot and cold spaces in your home that didn’t used to be there? Have your heating and cooling bills gone up?

All of these are indicators that there is something going on with your HVAC setup. You shouldn’t just quietly ignore these warning signs that your HVAC system is in distress. Being able to save money on your heating and cooling costs is key, but there is more to these kinds of symptoms than just increased energy bills.

It is a common story when someone’s furnace fails, for them to say that it did seem like it was running a lot harder than usual and for longer every day. If you are noticing that there are changes to the way your system is operating, don’t hesitate to have someone come take a look at your HVAC system.

3.     Change Your Furnace Filter

This is another component of taking care of an HVAC system that many homeowners forget about until they run into issues with the health of their furnace. Your furnace has a filter that captures dust, grit, and grime all day long. This filter is a big part of having clean-smelling air in your home, and it also helps to keep your furnace in good shape.

When the filter gets too clogged, your system has to work far harder to keep things warm. You might start to notice increased energy bills and issues with your system seeming to run harder for longer periods. You could also notice that the air in your home doesn’t smell as fresh.

Don’t ignore these common symptoms that your furnace needs a new filter. Many new thermostats will also have a warning light that comes on when it’s time to do this kind of routine maintenance, so you shouldn’t have to struggle to remember to replace this critical part of your HVAC system.

4.     Clear Vents and Registers

It can be easy to accidentally block vents and registers or to allow them to get really dirty. This can be an impediment to heat getting into your home, and it can also lead to foul-smelling air in your home or business space. Be sure that vents and registers are kept clean and are not blocked by furniture or rugs.

These are the outlets through which air is exchanged in your home, so allowing them to be blocked off or filled with dust and grime can be a big mistake when it comes to heating your home efficiently all winter long. If you think one of your vents has become damaged and needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to have a skilled HVAC team come and take a look.

Caring For Your HVAC System Matters if You Want to Be Warm All Winter

There is no reason to suffer through the winter months, being cold all day long. You don’t have to dread the winter and hide under blankets to stay warm. Just have a skilled and experienced HVAC technician come handle the routine maintenance that your HVAC system needs. You can schedule with these companies to have your HVAC system cared for twice a year, once before the cold months and once heading into the heat of the summer.

Being sure that your furnace is going to work well during the peak of the cold weather each year can give you peace of mind. There is no reason to risk issues with burst pipes and damage to your home just because you crossed your fingers and hoped that you wouldn’t run into problems with your heat. Caring for your HVAC system is an important aspect of enjoying a warm and cozy winter while also being able to afford to pay your heating bill.

This guide should help you prepare to tackle the major considerations that you need to have in mind when preparing your home for the winter months.