Heating season can be tough on your HVAC system. If you don’t keep your heating and cooling system well-maintained, once you switch the heat on for the winter the wear and tear from previous years will quickly make itself known in the form of breakdowns and inefficient heating.

Luckily, you can easily get ahead of common winter heating problems with some preventive HVAC maintenance. A little maintenance now can help extend the life of your heating and cooling system and save you money while ensuring a comfortable home all winter long.

Make sure your heating system is ready to keep you warm this winter with these maintenance tips.

1. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty air filter will make your furnace run harder than it should, driving up your energy bills and potentially damaging your HVAC system. It’s best to start the heating season with a clean filter, then change it regularly.

Make sure to check your filter every month. Depending on the type of air filter you have, you may not need to replace it every time, but you should still be in the habit of checking it monthly.

2. Clean the Air Vents

When you vacuum your home, make it a habit to vacuum out your air vents as well. This can help prevent blockages and maintain good indoor air quality. If you notice buildup in your vents that vacuuming doesn’t seem to take care of, it may be time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning. 

At Titan, we recommend cleaning your air ducts at least once every 2-3 years to allow your HVAC system to operate at its highest level of efficiency.

3. Check Your Thermostat

Replace your thermostat’s batteries so it is ready to get you through the heating season. (While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well, especially if you haven’t done so in a while). And if you don’t yet have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to upgrade.

Additionally, check to ensure your thermostat is programmed to meet your needs this winter. To save energy, set your thermostat to a cooler temperature at night and while you’re at work and a warmer temperature during the times you are home and awake.  

4. Have Worn Parts Replaced

It’s easier to fix potential problems now than when they become heating emergencies later this winter. To ensure your HVAC system is prepared to run smoothly all season, replace worn parts before they break.

Ideally, you should have your heating system inspected each fall, where an HVAC professional will check for signs of wear or malfunction. This way you can have any problem parts replaced before they break or cause damage to other components of your system.

5. Cover Your Outdoor A/C Unit

Your A/C unit may not be the first thing on your mind as temperatures get colder, but now is the time to ensure it is protected from damage over the winter.

If your HVAC system has an outdoor A/C unit, be sure to cover it for the winter. This will protect it from ice, snow, and debris buildup and help prevent the need for extensive repairs before you turn your A/C on next summer.

6. Add Insulation

While insulation may not seem to directly affect the performance of your heating and cooling system, it does play a key role in the overall energy efficiency of your home.

If your home is lacking in insulation, your furnace will need to work harder to keep your home warm, and you’ll notice the effects of this in your heating bill. Check to ensure your attic has enough insulation, and add more as needed.

7. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Inspections With Titan

Routine HVAC maintenance reduces the chance of equipment failure, increases the  lifespan of your system, and helps supply your home with cleaner indoor air. If you didn’t have a fall HVAC inspection, now is the time to schedule one.

When you schedule an inspection with Titan, we will inspect your heating system to look for signs of wear or malfunction and make recommendations for repair. To ensure your system is maintained regularly, we recommend investing in one of our HVAC maintenance plans.
Contact us today to sign up for a maintenance plan or to schedule an inspection, air duct cleaning, or furnace repair or replacement.