Preparing your system for Fall and Winter
Fall is here… Winter is coming… will you be warm and comfortable through it all? A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between cozy and chilly in your home. After all, you invested in a heating system so use these tips to maintain it, maximize your investment, and enjoy a warm, worry-free home through the fall and winter.
- Locate all the vent and air exchange covers in your home and ensure they are free of dust and debris, and are not blocked by furniture or large objects. This will help to keep dust from blowing around your home and also provide proper air flow and consistent heat to each room.
- Clean and/or replace your HVAC filters regularly (as often as is recommended by the furnace manufacturer or your HVAC installing expert). In many cases, you may able to vacuum the filter every month (more often if you have pets) and replace the filter every 3-4 months.
- Have your ducts cleaned regularly. Before winter is a great time to have them cleaned because with the windows closed for winter you won’t get new dust and debris coming in. Vacuum your home around the same time to eliminate any other and keep it from cycling back in.
Test your HVAC system before you need it. Run your system and listen for unusual sounds or smells.
You’ll want to do this for two reasons.
- First, you might notice a very slight burning smell as a small amount of dust burns off of the heating unit, so it’s nice to be able to open the windows and air that out. (Note: the burning smell should disappear quickly. If it persists or is very strong, shut your HVAC unit down and call an expert right away.)
- Second, testing your heating system before you need it means that if there is a problem, you can get it fixed right away instead of being uncomfortably cold while the system is being repaired!
If you try running your HVAC system and it doesn’t turn on, look at the following things first:
- Is your HVAC unit plugged in?
- Did you check the circuit breakers to make sure they are in the correct position?
- Do the batteries need to be changed in your thermostat?
These 3 simple steps could be the difference between an HVAC system that works and one that doesn’t.
If your HVAC unit has pipes that connect to the outside of your house (such as exhaust and fresh air intake pipes), make sure they are clear of debris and not blocked by anything.
If you need to call an HVAC professional, check the brand name and model number of your HVAC unit over the phone. This will help them understand the situation better even before they arrive at your home.
Summary
With the colder weather on its way, it’s important to make sure that your home is safe and comfortable for your family. That means making sure your HVAC system is running the way you want it to run. Use these tips and ideas to keep you all comfortable, no matter what winter weather has in store.
Charlottesville, VA
In our initial fall visits, we diagnosed an overcharge of refrigerant and improper airflow. We recovered some charge and adjusted airflow and saw improvement. Then the weather shifted and it functioned as expected in heat mode.
So we paused...
Charlottesville, VA
We installed a Daikin Aurora Series maximum heat capability heat pump. We placed it in a corner to maximize wall space for art, TVs, etc and we also hid the outdoor unit behind some bushes to minimize the visual impact.
Charlottesville, VA
We discussed the options for humidification and selected a steam humidifier to best meet their desired comfort. We installed the new Aprilaire Model 800 to their system with the necessary water, electric and drain connections and then set the system ...
Earlysville, VA
We found a faulty auxiliary heat kit during a winter tune-up. In this instance, the diagnosis and replacement was straightforward. To diagnose, the amp draw of the electric heat was not correct. And a visual inspection confirmed that the wire coil wa...
Charlottesville, VA
Clean outdoor coils transfer heat more efficiently, which means your system operates more efficiently. When your coils are clogged with pollen, dirt, leaves, and grass, they cannot efficiently cool or heat your home. But they can be cleaned and retur...
Charlottesville, VA
We replaced a 28 year old Trane heat pump system that had a modified zoning system with a modern, true variable speed (indoor and outdoor) American Standard heat pump system. We matched this digital system to a digital comfort control that delivered ...
Other pages you may be interested in...
Zephyr Environmental Solutions offers superior HVAC installation, repair & maintenance services to customers in Charlottesvile and throughout Central Virginia.
Trust Zephyr Environmental Solutions for the emergency AC and heating installation and repairs in Charlottesville, VA and its surrounding communities.
Contact Zephyr Enviromental Solutions to design a system around your unique home, needs, and budget to meet your HVAC needs in Central Virginia. We can boost your energy-efficiency or enhance the airflow in an older home.