Ohio winters are fun, especially once the snow arrives. There are snowball fights, sledding, and hockey. But when it’s time to return, you want it to be to a warm home. By engaging in preventative maintenance and scheduling an HVAC contractor's inspection early in the season, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the winter will stay outside. 

How Should Homeowners Prepare Their Heating System?

1. Inspect the Unit

The furnace should have several feet of unobstructed space. When furnaces don’t have the room they need, they will have to work harder to reach the set temperature, stressing the system and reducing its life span. 

Before winter starts in earnest, turn the heating unit on for a test. Set it to a reasonably warm temperature and walk around the house. Remove any obstructions from the vents and check to see if warm air is being blown. If it’s not, contact an HVAC contractor who will diagnose and repair the issue. 

2. Update the Thermostat 

Since HVAC systems can last for decades, your unit may still be using an old mercury thermostat. They don’t often reach the correct temperature, causing discomfort and expending more electricity. Digital thermostats are accurate and programmable. You can set a schedule to have it run at different temperatures throughout the day, or turn on remotely as you’re leaving work, so there’s a warm house waiting in the evening. 

3. Schedule Professional Maintenance 

HVAC contractors should inspect your unit twice a year. First is in the spring to ensure it’s ready for summer and another inspection in the fall ahead of winter. They will take a detailed look at the furnace and its burner assembly, along with the heat exchanger, the ignition system, and the combustion blower. 
Older models may need repairs, but in some cases, the repairs won’t be worth it. If the repair cost is more than half of a new unit's price, purchase a new unit. With the increased efficiency of modern HVAC systems, you’ll save money on your utility bills all year, which will offset the cost in the long-term. 

4. Clean the Ducts

Inspect and clean the system’s heating ducts periodically during the winter. The cleaner they are, the better your indoor air quality will be. Always check for punctures and dents in the ducts, and make sure they’re insulated and sealed. For the best results, have an HVAC contractor do the inspection. 

To make sure your system is prepared to keep your family warm this season, reach out to Philip Perkins Heating & Air Conditioning. Their bonded and insured HVAC contractors have over 30 years of experience installing, servicing, and repairing heating and cooling systems throughout the Middletown, OH, area. They offer competitive rates and financing options so that you can enjoy the best quality units available. For more information on their 24/7 emergency services, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 423-7052.