With a long summer spent combating the heat, the last thing on most homeowners’ minds is preparing the furnace or heat pump for winter. As it might have been several months or a year since the equipment was last used, an HVAC contractor should perform an inspection to determine whether heating repairs are necessary. A technician will also perform the following maintenance tasks to maximize equipment performance. 

How Can You Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter?

1. Test the Thermostat

The first thing an HVAC service technician will do is test the thermostat to ensure it is programmed to the right settings and works correctly. The device senses when a room has reached the desired temperature and will send a signal to the furnace to stop circulating heat. If the thermostat does not send a signal to the furnace, the heating repair technician might need to replace the wires or the entire device. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is worth considering, too, as you can plug in temperatures based on when people will be home and control operation remotely to keep energy costs low. 

2. Change the Filter

The filter inside the furnace or heat pump might be covered in dirt, pet dander, and other grime sucked into the system from heating your home last winter. When the screen is clogged, air can’t flow through the system. The heat exchanger could overheat and fail as a result. As the filter is too clogged to trap more particles, allergens sucked into ducts will filter out into the air. Changing the filter before winter starts will prevent these problems.  

3. Install Insulation 

If there are gaps in ducts, interiors won’t get as warm as the thermostat setting. Heat traveling through the channels can escape into the house infrastructure before it’s pumped out of vents. To prevent heat loss, an HVAC contractor can place insulation around the ducts.

For professional help preparing your HVAC system for winter, reach out to Allen Service Co. in Pell City, AL. Serving St. Clair County homeowners since 1979, the certified, insured HVAC repair technicians will perform a thorough inspection to determine what equipment inefficiencies need to be remedied to prevent strain that leads to high energy bills. The team can also outfit your home with a state-of-the-art new system by Carrier®. For a heating repair, maintenance, or installation estimate, call (205) 338-2311. Find financing information online and company updates on Facebook.