How to best utilize your HVAC during the winter

Staying warm inside your home during the winter is essential. You can never be 100% sure that whatever heating system you chose is going to be reliable, unless you thoroughly check it up and perform maintenance regularly.

HVAC is one of the more trustworthy choices, as it is pretty easy to use at any time of the year. I wanted to know more on how to best take advantage of my HVAC during the winter and how to properly prepare it, so I talked to Allied Experts. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure a quality performance:

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Regular cleaning

Just as any appliance at home would require occasional cleaning, the same rule applies to your HVAC. To achieve good performance with clean air and advertised energy consumption, the first thing you need to do is to clean the filters. This needs to be done once a month during a heavy use. Sometimes cleaning is not enough, and replacing the filters is the way to go. If you neglect this simple step then your unit might struggle to achieve set temperature due to being clogged with dust. This might lead to more unnecessary energy wasting or even a breakdown. Regular cleaning will prolong the years of use, which in turn will save you the money you’d, otherwise, have to invest in a new system every now and then.

Winterize your home

Sometimes the solution is as easy as fixing up leaks in your home. People usually consider HVAC as the primary suspect if the heating is not good, but leaks and bad isolation can greatly impact the heating output. Check for drafts, look at doors and windows and see if there are any cracks. By caulking or investing in a new isolation, especially in an older home, you would very easily reach desired temperatures with a normal energy expenditure.

Consider replacing old thermostat

A broken thermostat can cause confusion and mess with your system. If that happens it might need recalibration or change of batteries. Whatever the case might be, old mechanical thermostats are not as reliable as new, programmable ones. This is the perfect opportunity to get an upgrade. A programmable thermostat will enable you to adjust temperatures remotely when you are away, meaning you won’t be wasting much energy to keep an empty home warm, just enough until you come back. This way of smart energy consumption will reflect on your monthly bill.

Outdoor unit

Your outdoor unit also needs some love. You can cover it to prevent a number of elements from finding their way in. Rain, snow, dust, debris, small animals, all of these can affect your outdoor unit one way or another. By shielding it you can prevent a range of problems, particularly when temperatures get seriously low.

Upgrade

Sometimes old HVAC systems are beyond help. Even if you maintain it regularly, and follow every step to ensure it’s working properly. Now is the time to talk to a professional and let them do a thorough check up. They can help you choose a new HVAC that’s going to be perfect for you. Modern units are designed to be more considerate about energy, and consequently your wallet.

Regular maintenance

Whether you choose to upgrade or keep an old system, you won’t get far unless you maintain it regularly. You can do it yourself by following these steps or you can opt for a professional and reliable service that’s going to keep your unit healthy and clean. You can schedule regular check-ups a few times a year, and especially before summer or and winter, when your entire home is going to rely on optimal HVAC performance.