With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure that your home stays warm and comfortable. Your HVAC system is about to work overtime, especially as temperatures drop and holiday gatherings begin. At Precision Heating & Air in Dallas, GA, we help clients prepare their homes for cold and snowy temperatures.
A few easy steps can help you avoid expensive repairs and get the most out of your HVAC system, keeping your energy bills low and the temperature inside just right. These helpful HVAC tips will help you stay warm and stress-free this holiday season.
Schedule a Pre-holiday HVAC Maintenance Check
If you want to make sure that your house stays warm and cozy during the holiday season, one of the best things that you can do is to schedule an HVAC maintenance check before the holidays.
An expert HVAC technician can examine your system to look for leaks, obstructions, or worn-out parts that could affect its performance. They will also clean essential components like the air filters and coils to maintain optimal system performance and prevent needless strain. Preventive maintenance can lower utility bills by improving energy efficiency and reducing the likelihood of malfunctions during the coldest months.
Seal Windows and Doors to Maximize Heating Efficiency
Sealing your windows and doors during the holidays is a simple but very effective way to warm your home. Windows and doors that don’t close properly can let warm air escape, making your HVAC system work harder to keep the temperature inside comfortable. This puts extra stress on your heating system and increases energy bills. Any cracks and holes should be sealed to keep heat in and keep your home warm and cozy.
First, check the weatherstripping around the windows and doors. If it’s broken or worn out, replace it. Caulk can also fill in any holes or cracks around window frames to keep cold air out. If your windows are old and drafty, you might want to add an extra layer of protection with a window insulation kit or thermal curtains.
Optimize Air Filters Before Winter Weather Hits
Before winter comes, you need to make sure your air filters are working at their best to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and keep the air inside your home clean. If your filters are dirty or clogged, your heating system has to work harder, which reduces airflow and puts extra stress on the equipment. This not only uses more energy, but it can also cause problems, higher utility bills, and poor indoor air quality.
To get the most out of your air filters, check them out at the start of the season. If they look dirty or clogged, get new ones right away. Most HVAC systems need to have their filters changed every one to three months. However, in the winter, when heating is used more, it’s best to check them once a month. Use high-efficiency filters that have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating that fits your system. For most homes, a MERV rating between 8 and 12 is fine.
You should also get a HEPA filter if you want extra protection against allergens, dust, and other pollutants. A clean filter that fits correctly not only makes your system work better but also improves the quality of the air in your home, making it healthier during the winter.
Keep All Vents and Registers Clear for Better Airflow
This is especially important in the winter when your HVAC system works the hardest. When vents are blocked, it’s harder for warm air to move through your heating system, which makes it work less efficiently. This puts more stress on your HVAC system, which could cause mechanical problems or even a breakdown. This will raise your energy bills.
To get the most out of your HVAC system, keep all furniture, rugs, and curtains away from vents and registers. If air can’t move around freely, places in a room will be too hot or too cold according to the thermostat. Also, clean your vents often because dust and other things can build up over time and compromise airflow.
Make sure that all of your vents are open and working properly. Some people think that closing vents in rooms that aren’t being used will save them energy, but this can make your HVAC system’s pressure become uneven. All vents and registers should be kept open and clear to get the most airflow, a more efficient system, and even comfort throughout your home.
Use a Humidifier to Moisturize Dry Winter Air
A humidifier can add moisture to the dry winter air, making your home much more comfortable and safe. The air in the winter is usually dry, and if your heater is on all the time, it can lower the humidity even more. This can cause dry skin, stuffy noses, and static electricity. Furniture, floors, and musical instruments made of wood can also crack or warp when the humidity is low.
Install a humidifier to prevent this. You can get a portable unit for single rooms or a whole-house humidifier that works with your HVAC system. For the best comfort and safety, try to keep the humidity inside between 30% and 50%. Many modern humidifiers have hygrometers built in to check the humidity and ensure that it stays in this healthy range.
Clean your humidifier often so that mold or bacteria don’t grow as this can lower the air quality inside your home. Adding moisture to the air will not only make your home more comfortable, but it can also help your HVAC system work better because the air will feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat.
Inspect and Clean Your Ductwork To Stay Comfortable
Inspecting and cleaning your ductwork is essential to ensure that your home is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Over time, dust, allergens, and debris can accumulate in your ducts, impede airflow, and lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. This may result in inconsistent heating, higher energy costs, and possibly even health problems from the contaminated air.
Check accessible ducts visually for mold growth or dust accumulation indications first. It is time for a professional cleaning if you see a large accumulation. Your ductwork can be thoroughly cleaned by a qualified technician using specialized equipment that will remove contaminants and improve airflow. Frequent cleaning increases comfort and extends the life of your HVAC system, ensuring that it runs well all winter.
Consider Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat to Save Money and Energy
It makes financial sense to upgrade to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats, instead of conventional ones, can automatically adjust temperatures according to your schedule and preferences because they can learn your heating and cooling habits. A smartphone app allows you to remotely control many smart thermostats, allowing you to change settings while on the go. Features like energy usage reports also assist you in spotting trends and choosing wisely when to cut back on usage. By optimizing your HVAC system’s performance, a smart thermostat can improve comfort levels and, over time, result in significant energy bill savings.
Contact Us Today
Time to prepare your HVAC system for winter? Our team at Precision Heating & Air in Dallas, GA is here to help! Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or enjoying quiet nights by the fireplace, one thing is clear—keeping your home warm and cozy is important. Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone can relax in a welcoming environment. But as temperatures drop, the increased demand on your heating system can lead to unexpected issues if it hasn’t been adequately maintained. Call us today to prepare your system for the holiday season. We service a variety of systems, including gas furnaces and heat pumps!
