As the crisp air and chilly temperatures begin to replace the summer heat and humidity, you’ll need to make some adjustments at home, particularly in terms of your HVAC system. Instead of waiting until the last minute, learn tips for getting ready to switch from using the air conditioner to the heater now.
Winterize the Air Conditioner
When you no longer need to pump cool air through the house to get the space comfortable, schedule an appointment to winterize the air conditioner. Winterizing the unit helps protect it from damage in winter weather. Our team can also check the filters and perform other necessary maintenance to ensure that the air conditioner is ready for use next summer. Make sure that the air conditioner gets thoroughly cleaned as well. Debris, dust and other substances can accumulate through the summer.
Test the Thermostat
Waking up one frigid morning to discover that the thermostat isn’t working would be an unpleasant surprise. Before the temperatures get too cold, test the thermostat to ensure that it’s fully functioning. Let our team know about any issues, such as inaccurate readings.
Program the Thermostat
Once you’ve ensured that the thermostat is working properly, you should set a schedule. Failure to program your thermostat can mean wasted money and energy in addition to uncomfortable temperatures in the house. Make sure to set the schedule according to the day. For example, on the weekends, you can likely have the temperature come up later on in the morning if everyone in your family tends to sleep in.
Check the Detectors
Now is also the time to make sure that the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. In the event that the heater leaks carbon monoxide or a fire erupts, early detection and notification are crucial. Make it a part of your regular routine to replace the batteries in the detectors at this time of the year. You can replace the batteries again in the spring.
Prioritize Safety
Consider other safety concerns as well. For example, if any combustible products are currently stored near the furnace, move them away to a safe place. You should also schedule a cleaning for the chimney.
Schedule Heating Maintenance
Now is also the time to book a maintenance appointment for your home’s heating system. Don’t skip over this step. The specialists can check out the heater to identify and resolve any problems. The maintenance appointment prepares the system for use this fall and winter. Also, your warranty may require regular maintenance on the system. Failure to follow your service schedule could mean that you end up voiding the warranty. Aim to schedule your maintenance appointment early. When the forecast changes quickly, many other homeowners will also be booking service appointments. Scheduling an appointment before the height of the season helps you beat the rush.
Don’t Forget the Humidifier
Get the humidifier maintained and checked out as well. With the summer humidity, you might not have had to pull this appliance out for a while, but with drier air on the horizon, a service appointment is wise.
Get the Vents Cleaned
When you book your maintenance appointment, ask about getting the vents cleaned too. Debris and dirt can build up through the year, essentially clogging the vents and preventing warm air from fully circulating around your house.
Unblock the Vents
In order for your home’s heater to function at its maximum potential, the vents have to be free from clutter. Move furniture out of the way, pick up piles of clothes that have accumulated, and put the kids’ toys back in the closet. Unblocking the vents is an important safety move, too. Objects blocking the vents could cause a fire to start.
Improve Insulation
A poorly insulated home could mean higher energy bills. Older homes are typically more susceptible to insulation inadequacies, but newer models can be as well, especially if you’ve had an extension added to the property. You might even notice that the added rooms are significantly colder than the rest of the house. Getting more insulation installed can help to keep warm air inside the home, which means the heater won’t have to work as hard.
Look for Gaps
Sealing up gaps around the windows and doors also helps to protect your heating system from working overtime. Failure to seal the gaps means that cold air will continue to seep in from outside.
Make Substantial Upgrades
To get the most out of your home’s heating system, decide if some more substantial upgrades are in the budget this year. For example, you might consider switching from oil to gas or opt for a zoned heating system. Zoned heating is popular among many homeowners, especially individuals who own multi-story houses. Heating the entire house to the same temperature can be a waste of money, especially if all of the occupants are on one story only at certain times.
For example, you might own a house in which all of the bedrooms are on the second story. During the night when everyone is asleep, a zoned system allows you to lower the temperature on the first floor while maintaining a comfortable temperature on the second floor. Without zoned heating, you’d have to keep blasting the heat on both stories throughout the night.
Consider Using Smart Features
You could also add smart features to your home’s heating system. A smart system allows you to remotely control the temperature at home. You might go on a vacation and set the system before you leave. However, while you’re away, the forecast for your home area could change to include warmer temperatures, meaning that you can turn the thermostat down. With a smart system, you can make these changes remotely. A smart system can also provide custom suggestions based on your habits and patterns, which could lead to lower monthly energy bills.
Here at Precision Heating & Air in Dallas, we’re here to get your home’s heating system ready for the chillier days of fall and winter. You can schedule a maintenance appointment with us today. We also offer a full range of maintenance, installation and repair services for both heating and air conditioning systems. We work on gas furnaces and heat pumps as well. Some of our other services include indoor air quality tests, duct cleaning and tankless water heater care. Make sure to check out our specials too. You can choose a financing plan to fund your next big project, participate in our referral program, sign up for a club membership or learn about tax credits and rebates. We serve customers in numerous communities in the Atlanta area, including Powder Springs, East Cobb, West Hampton and Johns Creek. Emergency service is available as well, so we’re here for you 24 hours per day and seven days per week. To schedule heating maintenance for your home’s system before winter or to book other services, contact Precision Heating & Air today.
