As the temperature continues to drop, there are tasks that are helpful to complete to ready your home for the winter. It’s important to optimize your HVAC system before the new season arrives, so you’re not driven to schedule last-minute repairs or hectic touch-ups. Here are a few of the do’s and don’ts to follow when prepping for the winter. 

Do:

Schedule a duct inspection.

A major source of air leaks is within your duct system. Over time, the ducts start to break down and become riddled with small holes or cracks where the warm air can leak through. It’s difficult to access ducts on your own and repair them, so your best bet is to schedule an inspection with a trusted HVAC specialist. 

Seal windows and doors.

Even if you have an outstanding furnace providing heat, it won’t be as effective if your home is full of air holes. Old windows and doors tend to be full of them and cause your house to leak precious warm air throughout the day. With some weatherstripping and caulking, you can fortify these openings before it gets too cold. 

Don’t:

Forget to make space.

When their furnace is dormant for the warm seasons, many residents take advantage of that by using the space around it for storage. However, for a furnace to work effectively, it needs room around it; otherwise, the air has nowhere to go, causing stress for the unit. As you tidy up during the fall, don’t forget to choose a new storage area. 

Wait until the cold comes to start your unit.

It seems like it would make the most sense to turn on your furnace when you start feeling chilly. However, it’s better to let the system run for a while before it gets cold, so it can work out some kinks after the long layoff. With the early test, you’ll also be able to detect if there are any problems, so you can call an HVAC specialist instead of making an emergency request when it’s colder. 

For some help getting your HVAC system in shape for winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Muotka Mechanical in Anchorage, AK. In business for almost 20 years, the professionals are available for everything from a new furnace installation to a boiler replacement. To request a free estimate from the heating contractor, call (907) 344-8825 or send a message through the company’s website.