Be sure to include HVAC system maintenance on your to-do list as Florida begins to hibernate for the season. Chilly weather can lead to expensive system repairs if not taken care of. Check out our blog for the ultimate winter HVAC maintenance checklist!
Open All Air Vents
Some homeowners may say vents in unused rooms can also be closed off to save money. It may sound reasonable, but it could end up costing you money.
Many people don’t realize that closing vents to a room does not entirely redirect the air; rather, closed air vents will force the air through any nearby cracks in the ductwork or other improperly sealed areas. As time goes on, the air will have to find a place to go. Air that can’t reach some rooms will be pushed back into the basement or any floor cavities.
The ductwork also becomes overly stressed when vents to specific rooms are sealed off. You may think that your furnace system balances the pressure and temperature in your home, but a snag in the system could lead to ductwork that is compromised.
Avoiding irregular heat exchange is another advantage of leaving your vents open in the winter. The airflow is reduced when the vents are closed and your spaces are no longer heated appropriately. The number of on-cycles in your HVAC system increases when the temperature drops to keep up with the thermostat setting. You can avoid this problem and save money by lowering the thermostat a few degrees. You and your family may not notice a temperature difference, but your system will be at ease.
Remove Any Dirt, Dust, & Debris
This step is critical if your HVAC system has an outdoor ground-level unit. Check the area around your system on a regular basis and remove any debris that could affect its performance, such as dirt and sticks.
Pro Tip: Before you begin removing any obstruction obstructing airflow, turn off your system for your safety.
Be Conscious of Your Air Filters
Keeping your HVAC system’s air filters clean can help you save a lot of money in the long run on repair costs. A clogged air filter reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system and puts additional strain on it. Check your air filter every 30 to 90 days to make sure it hasn’t accumulated a lot of debris and replace it if it has.
Air Vent Maintenance
Vents can quickly become clogged with dirt and pollen, affecting the quality and flow of air in your home. You can ensure cleaner air by cleaning your vents regularly. At the very least, we recommend that you clean your vents once a week, if not more. Fortunately, you don’t need to hire a professional to clean your vents; a damp paper towel or rag is all you need!
Check Your Humidifier
Did you know that running your furnace causes the air to become dry and irritated? As a result, many models come equipped with a humidifier. If you have a water filter in your unit, make sure to change it every 1-2 years. For added safety, make sure to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector once a year and perform a functional test periodically.
Take Advantage of the Sun
As soon as the temperature drops below freezing, open the curtains to keep your home warm. By allowing natural light into your home, you can reduce the temperature of your thermostat without sacrificing comfort. During the evening, close your curtains and blinds to keep out the cold.
Prevent Drafts
One of the simplest ways to save money on your heating bills is to plug up cracks and crevices in your house. The cost of caulking and weatherstripping is low upfront, but they pay for themselves within a year. Spend a few hours looking for and caulking any holes or cracks in your house. Weatherstripping is an excellent solution if cool air is still leaking in.
Close the Doors
Don’t waste energy heating unused rooms in your home, like a guest room or a storage room. Keeping doors and vents closed will limit the amount of heated air sent to unneeded areas, allowing you to lower the thermostat.
Get a Heater
An inexpensive space heater can effectively heat a small room, such as the bathroom or garage. You can save money on your utility bill by using electric heaters in your home. Keep in mind that space heaters are less efficient than furnaces when it comes to heating your entire home.
Circulate the Air
In most cases, ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, causing the air to flow downward and creating a wind chill. In the winter, reverse your fan’s rotation so that the fan blades can draw down the warm air that accumulates near the ceiling. During the winter, you can save up to 15% on your heating bills simply by adjusting the rotation of your ceiling fan.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
There are numerous ways to conserve energy that do not involve shutting down your HVAC system’s air vents. Add these home improvement ideas to your to-do list:
Check for any drafts or air leaks around windows, doors, ductwork, crawlspaces, and plumbing
Install weatherstripping to exterior doors and windows
Re-caulk windows and doors
Add thermal insulating curtains to rooms with drafty windows
Contact Us Today!
We understand how important it is that your home is comfortable and efficient. Call us today at Coastal Climate Experts at (321) 797-0422 to find out how we can work with you for your HVAC Maintenance and ask about the rest of our HVAC services.