Fall and winter holidays are quickly approaching, and we can finally feel the crisp air. Now is the perfect time to perform routine furnace maintenance.
Approximately half (48%) of the energy used in a typical home is consumed by heating and cooling. By ensuring your HVAC system is functioning properly, you can significantly reduce the energy consumption of your HVAC system. Make the transition from cooling to heating as smooth as possible.
Having a broken furnace in the middle of winter is the last thing you want. Below are some insightful furnace maintenance tips:
1. Check and change the air filter
It’s important to note that 1-inch thick filters should be changed every 60-90 days. For ultimate home protection, MERV 13 filters can also help against viruses and bacteria. For a longer lifespan and better protection, you’ll have to upgrade to a 4-inch thick filter. These filters can last up to 12 months by reducing the strain on your system; and for that reason, it is recommended for anything rated MERV 11 and up. They’re also the standard choice here at Pacific Aire.
Air filters play two very important roles. It prevents dust and other debris from settling in your HVAC system. Having too much dust in your system can cause clogging of your burners. Another function of an air filter is to keep the air in your home clean and safe. Your air filter can capture dust, pollen, dander, allergens, and even kitchen odors, depending on its strength.
A dirty or overfilled air filter cannot perform any of these tasks. It also makes it harder for temperature-treated air to enter your home, which puts more strain on your system. This will increase your monthly energy bill.
2. Setting the thermostat correctly
If you have a programmable thermostat, now is the best time to adjust the settings. When your thermostat is programmed according to the season, your HVAC system won’t get overworked. Smart or programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money if they’re set properly.
Your HVAC system will have to work harder if your thermostat is set too high. You can program the heating to run according to the times you’ll be home and away. When you’re not at home, lower the thermostat temperature. The setback period should be eight hours long to save 1% for each degree. Learn how to set your programmable thermostat for winter. By doing this, you’ll also ensure that your utility bill doesn’t go up.
3. Windows should be weather-stripped
Drafty windows can lose between 25% and 30% of your warm air. HVAC accounts for a considerable portion of your yearly energy consumption. You can prevent this by weatherstripping your windows.
Start by inspecting your windows from the outside. Patch any obvious holes you see. Next, wait for a windy day. Put a piece of tissue paper near a closed window and see if it flutters. Your windows need to be weather-stripped if it does.
4. Keep your condenser clear
Check your outdoor condenser and clean away any debris that may have accumulated around it to prepare your HVAC for fall. It could become home to some unwanted critters as the nights get colder.
The outdoor condenser fan and fins of your HVAC could be clogged with leaves, grass, and other debris. It is advised to have a professional clean the condenser unit if this might have happened. You can also do it yourself by checking some tutorials.
5. Make sure all vents and registers are clean
Blocking vents with furniture, décor, or carpet is a common mistake we see homeowners make. You’ve might have heard that closing the vents will save you money. You will actually spend more money over the season if you block or close your vents.
The best way to maintain your HVAC system is to check the vents and registers, and it never hurts to vacuum or dust them once in a while. They can accumulate debris over time, which eventually ends up in your home’s HVAC system.
Make sure your furnace is tuned up. A furnace tune-up should be performed twice a year. Once before furnace season and once before air conditioning season. During a regular tune-up, our HVAC technicians perform an 18-point inspection and professional cleaning. All of this ensures your furnace is ready for the upcoming seasons and fixes any small problems before they become big problems.
Protect your home with an air purification system that eliminates indoor air quality risks, making even poorly ventilated and fully enclosed spaces safer.
Do you want to make sure your HVAC system is ready for fall and winter? Visit https://bit.ly/pacificaire_airquality to learn more about our air purification packages, or call us at 805-737-2564 to improve the air quality in your home.
