As we start to enter into the winter season, it’s important for Springfield, MO homeowners to prepare their heating systems to ensure that they work optimally. In fact, maintenance is the key to guaranteeing your comfort during the cold winter months. We’ll share with you some of the most important steps that you’ll want to take to ensure your heating system is up for the challenge.

Get Professional Maintenance

One of the most important things that you want to do is ensure that you schedule professional maintenance service for your heating system and AC. Ideally, you want to have service done in the fall so that you have time to repair issues that your system may have. It’s crucial to keep in mind that most system manufacturers will require that you get professional maintenance service to maintain the warranty coverage on your heating system.

Order Fuel

If your heating system uses heating oil or propane, then you’ll have an on-site storage tank to hold your fuel supply. It’s best to call and have a fuel delivery to ensure that your tank is full and ready for the upcoming winter season. Be sure to have your tank refilled before getting maintenance service so that there is adequate fuel for your HVAC technician to properly test your system. You may even want to consider signing up for automatic fuel delivery service so that you never run out during the winter season.

Stock Up on Air Filters

As a homeowner, one of your most important maintenance tasks for your heating system is ongoing. This is regularly checking your HVAC filter and replacing it when necessary. At the bare minimum, you should check your filter at least once a month. Simply hold it up to a light source and peer through it. If you can no longer see through the filter, it’s an indication that it’s time for a replacement. It’s highly advantageous to have at least one extra air filter on hand so you can do a replacement immediately. Remember that your system’s air filter will play a big role in its overall operating efficiency. It needs to stay in tip-top condition for optimal operating efficiency.

Check Air Vents

Another task that you’ll want to do early on in the winter season is to check all of your air vents. Contrary to many of the misconceptions on the internet, you never want to close air vents. They all need to remain in the open position in order to ensure adequate pressure and air distribution throughout your ductwork. Be sure to check the area around the vent to ensure that there are no obstructions blocking its airflow. Ideally, each air vent should have at least three feet of open space around it for maximal operating efficiency.

Test Detectors

It’s necessary to have, at the bare minimum, smoke detectors on each level of your home to alert you of any potential fire. If your heating system uses heating oil, propane, or natural gas, then you also need to have carbon monoxide detectors. If your system experiences a malfunction, it could allow toxic carbon monoxide to back up into your home and cause health issues, and even fatality. Be sure to test each detector and put in fresh batteries so that they’re ready to take on the long winter season ahead.

Assess Your Insulation

Another task to put on your list is to examine the state of your insulation. Your home should have adequate insulation in the attic that exceeds or meets the minimum R-value recommended by building codes in your area. If you notice any areas of your attic that are missing insulation, be sure to add fresh insulation. If you notice that your existing insulation is sinking down below the rafter joists, opt for adding additional insulation. This insulation provides a necessary barrier between the temperature inside of your home and the cold temperature outside.

Ensure Attic Vents Are Open

One of the biggest misconceptions about attic vents is that they should be closed during the winter months. While it’s perfectly normal to close your doors and windows, the vents in your attic should remain open. This allows fresh cold air to flow through your attic. Any heat that escapes through your insulation can be adequately cooled down before it comes into contact with the underside of your roofing. If you close your attic vents, any heat that escapes through your insulation can get stuck in your attic and warm up the underside of your roofing materials. This can lead to dangerous ice damming and even cause premature deterioration of your roofing materials.

Check Your Fire Extinguisher

Every household should have a fire extinguisher in case there is a malfunction with the heating system. It’s important to remember that fire extinguishers don’t last forever. Each of them has an expiration date that you’ll want to double-check to ensure that your fire extinguisher is still good. HVAC fires are considered electrical fires and will need a fire extinguisher that is rated to put out that type of combustion. These are going to be fire extinguishers with a rating of C or ABC.

Consider Air Duct Service

HVAC professionals generally recommend having your ductwork cleaned and sealed every three to five years. Over time, unwanted debris can accumulate inside your ducting. This will restrict airflow and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Furthermore, if your ducting develops leaks, such as joints loosening up over time, it can allow hot air to escape into your wall and floor cavities instead of making it to the rooms of your home. By investing in duct cleaning and sealing services, you can ensure that your ductwork is contributing to an efficient heating system.

Switch Ceiling Fan Directions

Ceiling fans are a necessity for all homes to help enhance the efficiency of your HVAC systems. Normally, ceiling fans should be set to spin in a counterclockwise or forward direction during the summer months to help you feel colder. When we transition into the winter months, you need to change the setting on your ceiling fans. They should be spinning in a clockwise or reverse direction. This will help to recirculate warm air from your ceiling back down to the floor so that you can still be comfortable while running your heating system less often.

Program Your Thermostat

If you don’t yet have a programmable or smart thermostat, it’s time to upgrade. By programming in different temperature settings depending on the time of the day or the day of the week, you can help to maximize your energy efficiency. For example, opting to turn the temperature down during times when you know you’re not going to be home can help prevent your heating system from wasting energy and running during those hours.

Trustworthy HVAC Maintenance Service

All Klear offers trustworthy cooling and heating maintenance as well as all your other cooling and heating services needs. We can help with all your air conditioning, heating, electrical, plumbing, and indoor air quality needs. Call us today to schedule your next service appointment for your Springfield home with one of our HVAC technicians.

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