ONE HOUR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
WINTER HVAC CHECKLIST
WINTER HVAC CHECKLIST
Winter can be tough on your HVAC system. Avoid costly repairs and cold, uncomfortable nights by running through our winter HVAC maintenance checklist! This handy guide offers directions for winter HVAC tasks ranging from turning on your heating system to ensuring excellent energy efficiency.
WINTER HVAC MAINTENANCE TIPS AND CHECKLIST
If you already turned off your air conditioner in the fall, the next focus will be turning on your heater for the first time in winter. Turning on your heat for the season and preparing your system with basic winter HVAC maintenance can save you money by preventing unnecessary repairs and ensuring you’re never left shivering in the cold!
BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE HEAT…
No matter what kind of heating system you have, make sure you cross these three items off your winter to-do list:
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Replace your air filter. Replace your air filter every 30-90 days to preserve indoor air quality and to protect your heating system from working harder than it needs to. You can get more out of your air filter by choosing the model with the right MERV rating.
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Clear obstructed vents. If you rearranged furniture over the spring, summer, or fall, take a moment to ensure no air vents are blocked. Keeping your air vents clear improves the even distribution of warm air to every part of your home, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the risk of fire.
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Schedule a winter HVAC tune-up with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Our HVAC professionals will stay ahead of underlying issues with your heating system.
TURNING ON YOUR HEATER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WINTER
Start your electric or gas furnace safely by following these steps.
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Set your thermostat to “Heat.” Many homeowners forget to switch to the correct setting! We recommend doing this first so you can expect to hear the heating system kick on once indoor temperatures are low enough.
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Turn on the power at the circuit breaker. Heating systems typically have a dedicated electrical circuit. To restore power to your furnace or boiler, identify and flip the correct circuit in the breaker panel.
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Turn the heating system on. Most systems have a switch either on the unit itself or mounted on a nearby wall. In most cases, it looks like a normal light switch.
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Listen, watch… and smell. When your furnace kicks on for the first time, spend a few minutes observing it. Listen for odd sounds like metal clanging or changes to how the fan works. You may also notice dust near the unit, which could be a sign that it’s time for professional air duct cleaning services. Be aware of new smells, including possible smoke or fuel smells like gas or heating oil.
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Check your thermostat settings. Adjust your programmable thermostat settings to your winter needs. Smart thermostats can improve energy efficiency and help you save money on your monthly heating bill.
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