The cold weather fronts of the new year are approaching quickly, so it’s time to make sure that your heating and cooling system is prepared to keep your home comfortable for you and your family. At Service First Air Conditioning and Heating, we help our customers keep their furnaces running properly over the holidays and throughout the winter. Below are some of the best tips we have for keeping your heating and cooling system functional at this chilly time of year.
Replace Your Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system needs to be replaced about every three months to prevent it from being clogged. However, many homeowners don’t keep up with this schedule, and some homeowners never replace their HVAC filters. Failure to change the air filter can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner, forcing both appliances to work harder than necessary in order to heat and cool your home. For the best possible air quality, many home and business owners are turning to HEPA air filters. If you haven’t swapped the air filter in your HVAC system since this summer or earlier, now is the time.
The old air filter will be located in a slot near the return air duct. To remove it, turn off your furnace then slide the air filter out of its compartment. Take the filter to the hardware store or home improvement center, then buy a replacement that matches the original. Put the new air filter into the slot, then turn on your furnace again.
Clean Your Ducts
Air ducts can get pretty dirty with time. When this happens, your HVAC system circulates dirty air through your home. This can reduce your indoor air quality and make problems for people with allergies. If you haven’t cleaned your air ducts in a long time, you can check the status of your air ducts by opening a vent and looking inside. If the inside of the ducts looks very dirty and dusty, contact an HVAC repair company to have your ducts assessed.
Test the System Before Guests Arrive
If it’s been warm enough in your home to live without the furnace, you may not be aware of any problems that the furnace is experiencing until you try to use it. Test the system by turning it on, and let the furnace run for a short while. Smell the air for any odors being emitted from the unit, and then walk around the house checking all vents to ensure they’re open and unobstructed.
Before your next holiday party, contact an HVAC repair service in your area .Your HVAC company can tell you whether or not your furnace is in need of repair or if it should make it through the holidays without a problem. Doing this will help you avoid holiday home heating disasters, making your holiday season less stressful and more fun. To get your home’s HVAC system tuned up in San Antonio, TX, contact Service First Air Conditioning and Heating. We offer residential and commercial maintenance plans that will keep your air conditioner and heating units working at their highest level, so that you can avoid any costly surprises down the road.