As the weather turns colder once again, it’s important that homeowners take the steps necessary to effectively winter-proof their household. To give you a headstart, we’ve come up with a five-step winter preparation plan that you can follow.
Step 1: Test Out Your Furnace
Now that you’re about to start using your furnace again, it’s a good idea to give it a test run before winter arrives. This is something that you can do prior to hiring a technician so that you can report any issues before he or she arrives at your home.
Step 2: Call an HVAC Technician
To keep your HVAC equipment running properly, it’s important that you call a qualified technician to basically run a diagnostic and give the system a tune-up. This will improve its performance and extend it’s operational life.
Step 3: Change Your Thermostat Settings
Whenever the weather changes, it’s important to take a look at your current thermostat settings and give them a bit of a tweak. If you’re utilizing a programmable thermostat, now’s the time to change the daily and nightly settings so that they coincide better with the new average temperatures.
Step 4: Locate and Seal Air Leaks
If your home has a ton of air leaks, then your heating equipment will be forced to work harder and run longer then it should. If you feel a draft, then search out its origin and seal the problem with either caulking, spray foam, or weather-stripping. The most common areas are around your doors and windows, but attics and air ducts should also be checked.
Step 5: Clean Out the Air Ducts
When your air ducts are dirty, this will impede the effectiveness of your HVAC equipment and fill the air with harmful contaminants. Cleaning out the ducts, preferably with the assistance of a professional, will prevent these issues.
For more expert advice about winter preparations, or if you have an HVAC issue that you need to discuss, contact the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians have been handling the HVAC needs of Lorain and the surrounding areas for more than 35 years.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area