Fall is almost here, which means winter is right around the corner. Furnaces and heating systems will soon run through the day and night to keep homes warm from the frosty chill outside. As temperatures drop, you might want to know how to prepare your heating and cooling system for winter.

This article will explain the steps homeowners should take to ready their HVAC units for winter.

1. Schedule a furnace tune-up

Maintenance is one of the most essential steps to ensuring your furnace is efficient, reliable, and safe during the winter. You can contact a reputable, experienced HVAC company to schedule a heating system tune-up in the fall. Furnaces and boilers need to be serviced every year, while heating pumps require service in the fall for heating and spring for cooling.

2. Change air filters

Air filters protect HVAC systems from dirt, dust, and debris that cause inefficient performance and damage internal components. They should be replaced regularly, monthly or every 12 months, depending on the air filter used. You’ll want to check the manufacturer’s information to determine the recommended replacement frequency for your filter.

If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, you’ll want to replace it for the winter season and replace it now. As you use your heater more often, it’s normal to require more frequent replacement as it will fill up faster. Check the filter monthly to tell if a new one is needed earlier than expected.

A furnace or heat pump with a dirty air filter can cause many problems. When air filters are dirty, they can cause contaminants to pass into the furnace or air handler, where they can settle and accumulate on components, restricting their efficiency and causing damage.

3. Clean the furnace

A maintenance tune-up can help clean out the interior chambers of the furnace or air handler. However, homeowners are responsible for keeping the area around the furnace or heating system clean and clear. You’ll need to:

• Remove dirt and debris to prevent particles from getting sucked into the furnace or air supply during operation.
• Remove items stored around the furnace to ensure airflow does not get blocked.
• Ensure all doors and exterior panels are attached to the furnace or air handler.

4. Reprogram your thermostat

During that time of year, when you switch from heating to cooling, you’ll want to be sure to change your programmed temperature settings. Household temperatures will differ for heating and cooling and may need to be adjusted. Here are some tips to follow:

• Select an energy-efficient temperature during hours when the home is occupied. Sixty-eight degrees is generally recommended to maximize heating energy efficiency.
• During periods when the home is unoccupied, lower thermostat temperatures 10 to 15 degrees for energy sating and to eliminate heating waste.
• For fan settings on your HVAC unit, choose AUTO. This will allow the blower to run only when the heating system cycles.

Contact Caldwell Mechanical Services for help with your heating and cooling systems!

Our top priority isn’t selling heating and cooling (HVAC) systems but building client relationships. That’s why we’re trusted across Texas and Oklahoma for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of heating and cooling systems all year long. We bring over 100 years of experience to our clients, developing customized solutions for any building or facility. After a thorough consultation, we’ll provide insight for developing a maintenance schedule, executing repairs, or upgrading your current equipment to improve reliability and performance.

When you’re ready to take control of your climate control, schedule a consultation with Caldwell Mechanical Services.