11 HVAC Winter Maintenance Tips to Follow

April 03, 2024

Winter is coming, so it’s time to prepare for those cold spells by ensuring your HVAC system runs smoothly. A well-functioning HVAC unit provides efficient indoor heating. It can also help avoid excessive energy consumption that forces you to spend more money.

If you’re concerned about protecting your unit before the frosty season kicks in, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll break down all the HVAC winter maintenance tips you must follow to enjoy the winter season.

Follow These 11 Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Cozy Winter

Here are 11 HVAC winter maintenance tips guaranteed to maximize your comfort level during the frosty months.

1. Replace the Air Filter

Air filters reduce contaminants that diminish indoor air quality. Over time, dust and debris can clog filters. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow in the home, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to supply heat.

Change your air filter regularly (every three months) to avoid heating concerns and keep your household air-free of harmful substances.

2. Insulate Your Home

Before snow storms hit, insulate your home. Check for gaps around the doors, windows, crawl spaces, and other places where heat can escape. The goal of insulation is to reduce heat loss and ensure the temperature inside the home remains consistent and comfortable for your family.

3. Examine the Furnace

A furnace uses ducts to circulate heat to the rooms. During an average heating cycle of 10 to 15 minutes, the furnace will perform several cycles to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

If the furnace fails to perform a heating cycle, it’s time for an inspection. Fortunately, our service technicians at Aksarben are up for the task.

As part of our furnace repair services, we’ll thoroughly inspect your furnace, identify the main problem, and perform a timely repair to get it working as it should. If a new furnace is necessary, ask us about an installation. We’ll provide free estimates before discussing options that meet your needs.

4. Reset Your Thermostat (If Needed)

If you want your thermostat to continue regulating indoor temperatures as well as it should without experiencing glitches, then you should reset it occasionally. Turn the thermostat and circuit breaker off, then wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.

If the thermostat has batteries, remove them, insert them backward, and then wait five to 10 seconds before placing them back correctly.

5. Check the Ductwork

Ductwork (conduits) supply warm and cool air around the home. Some common problems to monitor are broken seals, which can reduce indoor heat. Also, look for gaps, tears, and areas where tape was used.

Any tape you find was probably used to minimize air leaks. If you find tape, replace it with stronger materials, like mastics. The tape isn’t strong enough to prevent leaks.

6. Opt for a Programmable Thermostat

There are several benefits to using a programmable thermostat. You can:

• Maintain a desirable and consistent temperature.
• Sync your mobile device to adjust the thermostat wherever you are.
• Save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.

If you want a programmable thermostat with auto-scheduling and temperature alert features, try the Nest thermostat. This device is compatible with 95% of 24v heating and cooling systems and can save 10 to 12% on heating bills.

7. Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit

Cleaning the outdoor AC unit is one of the best ways to prolong your AC’s longevity and prevent damage to the condenser. Clear away debris, leaves, twigs, or grass clippings. The sooner you do so, the easier it will be to receive proper airflow inside the home.

8. Use Ceiling Fans

During the harsh, cold months, you can use a ceiling fan to distribute warm air that pumps out of the furnace. Since warm air naturally rises to the ceiling, all you need to do is turn it on and set it to run clockwise for proper distribution.

9. Use a Humidifier

A humidifier is a device that releases water vapor, which increases indoor humidity levels. In the winter, this device can be beneficial for minimizing the spread of airborne pathogens. Because pathogens thrive in a dry environment, the moisture from a humidifier can kill them, reducing the risk of catching a cold.

10. Minimize Fire Risks

Heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in U.S. homes, with space heaters accounting for nearly one-third of those fires. You can mitigate fire risks by:

• Keeping combustible items away from heat sources.
• Ensuring all smoke detectors have fresh batteries.
• Contacting an HVAC professional to ensure your equipment is working properly.

11. Schedule an HVAC Service Inspection

Scheduling an HVAC inspection appointment is the best way to keep your system running efficiently before your area hits sub-zero temperatures. A professional technician can spot problems with indoor and outdoor components before they turn into costly repairs. Plus, they can identify the proper next steps.

If all you need is a tune-up service to ensure everything is in working order, schedule an HVAC tune-up with us. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the system. If an HVAC replacement is needed, we can install a new one. Aksarben also provides HVAC services for commercial accounts.

Prepare Your HVAC Unit with Aksarben

These HVAC winter maintenance tips help clarify the steps to take before the holiday season. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to take action—request a service with our HVAC professionals as soon as possible. If you have questions about our services, contact us today!