Even though Stockton isn’t known for getting too much snow over the winter, it is still important to be prudent about preparing your home for the cold weather ahead. During colder nights, your HVAC system is incredibly valuable and can create major discomfort in your home if it malfunctions. Below we’ve listed several things you can do now to ensure that your HVAC system will be operating efficiently all winter long.
Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter
Here are just a few things that you can do now to prepare your HVAC system for the colder months ahead:
Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter
We cannot stress enough the importance of changing your HVAC system’s air filter. This incredibly simple action is one of the most important things you can do to help maintain the longevity of your HVAC system. Check your air filter monthly and be sure to change whenever you notice dirt buildup. never go longer than three months without changing your air filter, as this can cause damage to your HVAC system as well as contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Clean Your Vents
At least once per month, take time to do a thorough cleaning of all your home’s vents using a vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that no excess dirt and debris is preventing adequate air flow or getting caught up in your ductwork.
Sufficiently Insulate the Attic
Lighten the burden that your HVAC system will have to endure over the winter by better insulating your attic. Proper attic insulation prevents warm air from leaking outside and instead keeps it indoors just where you want it. Insulation will ensure that your HVAC system will not be working overtime to try and compensate for all the warm air escaping outside, which means less wear and tear on your HVAC system. Make sure that the insulation in your attic is high enough so that it is difficult to see floor joists; if not, you’ll want to add more.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
Maintaining an efficient temperature at home can be difficult without the help of a programmable thermostat, so if you’re still using a manual model, it may be wise to upgrade. Programmable thermostats allow you to program fluctuations in your home’s temperature according to the times when you are home or away. For instance, if you are like most Americans and are away from home for 8 hours of the day, you can set the temperature on your thermostat much lower during those times. And, by programming it to kick up on just before you arrive home, you’ll still be super comfortable when you return.
Get HVAC Maintenance
We advise that you get an annual maintenance checkup performed on your home’s HVAC system, and one of the best times to do so is before winter sets in to prepare it for extended use. A proper maintenance check will allow a professional technician to identify any small issues with your home’s HVAC system before they become expensive problems.
Need HVAC Maintenance?
We’re the experts to call! We’ve been providing the San Joaquin region professional service paired with and family values for over 40 years. We are proudly screened by HomeAdvisor and we only use NATE certified HVAC technicians. Call us today to schedule routine maintenance on your HVAC system: (209) 952-6580
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