During Texas’s winter freeze in 2021, temperatures dropped as low as -2º Fahrenheit. Hopefully, temperatures won’t plummet that low this year, but only time will tell. Don’t wait until you’re shivering inside your home—schedule fall maintenance for your heating system while the temperature is mild.
Stay warm and toasty all winter long by preparing your heating system for the winter ahead with these tips from the experts at Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
A furnace or heat pump can’t operate properly with a dirty air filter. The air filter provides your home with clean air and top efficiency, so it’s imperative that you clean or replaces your air filters frequently. Depending on the manufacturer of your air filter, your system may require monthly or annual air filter replacements. There are also other factors that can affect how often you need to replace your air filter, such as medical conditions, asthma, or if you have lots of pets.
If you haven’t changed your filter recently, get a fresh start for the heating system and replace it now. It’s not uncommon for air filters to need more replacements during the winter season, so by preparing now, you’ll be ready when temperatures drop. Plus, cleaning and replacing your air filters can ensure your unit is running at peak efficiency, saving you money.
Clean Outdoor HVAC Equipment
Cleaning around your HVAC unit outside, or wherever your unit is located, is an important part of fall maintenance. Remove dirt and debris in and around the unit to promote airflow. Make sure you don’t have any items stored around your unit or have any items leaning against the unit.
Small debris may seem harmless, but items around the unit could cause blockage. We recommend a 3-foot clearance around the entire unit. As the fall season progresses, it’s a good idea to conduct a visual inspection of your unit frequently to ensure it’s in tip-top shape before the winter.
Assess Temperatures and Reset Thermostat
The fall season is the perfect time to assess the temperature in your home. While your HVAC unit is cycling, check on any rooms that seem warmer or colder than the rest. By doing this, you can fix any circulation issues before the colder temperatures roll in.
As temperatures drop, we recommend about 68 degrees to maximize both efficiency and comfort. If you’re planning on going on vacation, lower the thermostat a few degrees to reduce your energy consumption and save some money. Check out your thermostat’s manual to see what programmable settings you can use to set different temperatures.
Perform a Test Run
To avoid the chaos of a chilly, winter day with no indoor heating, perform a test run of your HVAC unit while it’s still mild outside. During this test run, make note of any odd noises, like banging or rattling to bring up with your HVAC technician. Any unusual noises could be a sign of a problem.
To perform a test run, choose 2 to 3 days, not one after another, to test the heating system. We recommend setting the thermostat to a temperature you usually set during the winter months for an accurate evaluation. Then, make sure to let the unit run for multiple cycles, so you can fully assess the system.
Schedule Bi-Annual Maintenance
Bi-annual maintenance guarantees your unit is running at peak capacity, giving you peace of mind knowing your system will provide comfortable living the entire year. At Bacon Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Electric, our team can perform maintenance checks on a variety of heating systems, including electric furnaces, gas furnaces, heat pumps, and thermostats. An HVAC technician can ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck by checking the system output, and air ducts too, saving you time and money.
Prepare for Winter Weather & Ice Storms with HVAC Maintenance
Don’t wait until the ice is covering your unit to get your heating system checked out. Schedule bi-annual maintenance today to avoid being left out in the cold! Since 2011, our family-owned and operated business has been at the forefront of exceptional customer service and HVAC technology. Let us prepare your home for the winter months this fall!
Everyone Loves Bacon! HVAC Maintenance & Repair in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape this fall! Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric provides 24/7 service with skilled, trustworthy technicians ready to help you with any problems, repairs, or replacements! Contact us online or call us at (972) 791-8332 to schedule maintenance today!
