American StandardAs the weather starts to cool off, it is time to think about getting your heating system ready for the colder months. Don’t wait until you wake up shivering because the heat went out. The first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with 360 Air Tech for a Precision Tune-Up. During a Precision Tune-Up, a technician will ensure every part of your heating system is ready for winter. In addition to a tune-up of our system, there are a few things you can do on your own:
- CHECK FOR LEAKS: Look around your home for any places that air might be leaking in or out specifically around doors and windows. You should also check the roof and around the chimney. Warm air rises, so high spaces are more likely to leak warm air. You can add caulking to areas or slip a draft stopper under your door to create a tighter seal. You can also schedule to have an energy audit done of your house. This allows you to see where leaks are, and where you can improve on your home’s energy efficiency. A snug house can significantly bring down your energy bill.
- EXAMINE DUCTS: Air ducts are the way your heating system moves air throughout your home. If they are leaking, you can lose a lot of energy and money. Hire a professional to check your ducts for any issues and prevent heated air from seeping out into unwanted areas.
- UNBLOCK VENTS: Take a quick walk around your home and make sure that no vents are blocked. They should be open and able to allow air to flow smoothly into a space. Vents that are blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions can cause your heating system to work harder, in turn using more energy. A vent that has been closed purposely should be opened. If you don’t use a room often, you may think closing the vents there may help lower energy costs because you aren’t heating that room. However, that’s not actually true. Your HVAC system is going to create the same amount of heated air - it doesn’t know that you have closed off a room. So the air travels to the blocked room, hits the closed vent, and then is forced back. This creates a sort of traffic jam in the vents and actually causes your HVAC to work harder than if you’d just left the vent open. If you do have a space that you only use occasionally, ask 360 Air Tech about zoned heating and cooling.
- CHANGE FILTERS: One of the easiest things you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system is to change the air filters regularly. This will help throughout the year, not just when it’s time to turn on the heat. The filter catches airborne particles like dust, dander, and bacteria. This helps keep the air you breathe cleaner and your home healthier. However, a clogged filter that is overdue for a change can’t do a good job. The filter blocks air from flowing through it, causing your HVAC to work harder. It also cannot filter the air so more particles are slipping through. Most filters should be changed out every 3 months, but the filter itself will tell you when it should be changed. Purchasing a higher quality filter will keep the air cleaner than a regular filter. You can also sign up for regular filter deliveries so you don’t have to keep track. Once the filter arrives, you know it is time to change it out.
- LOWER TEMP: It may seem counter-intuitive to lower the temperature in your home during the colder months, but this is something you can do without sacrificing your own comfort. By lowering the thermostat a few degrees, you can save about 2% on your energy bill each month, which can add up. You will also get other savings that you might not see written out on your bill. By lowering your thermostat a few degrees, your heating system is able to work more efficiently, which can lead to a longer lifespan. So instead of replacing your heating system after 12 years, you might not have to for 15 years, and that is more money in your pocket. Just add an extra layer of clothes or a spare blanket to stay cozy.
- REGULAR MAINTENANCE: Most HVAC professionals recommend having your system checked out twice a year: once in the fall, before turning on the heat, and once in the spring, before switching over to air conditioning. HVACs that have regular maintenance live much longer than those that are neglected. You could add an additional 5 or more years to your system’s lifespan, saving yourself lots of money. During a Precision Tune-Up, our highly trained professionals can make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Give 360 Air Tech a call today to schedule a Precision Tune-Up. We are here to help with any questions you may have and to make sure your system is in tip-top shape, ready to keep you and your loved ones warm this winter.
