Now that we’ve turned our clocks/watches back to Eastern Standard Time, the cold weather isn’t far away. Check your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditing) system; if it’s not working properly it could cost you this winter; plus you don’t want a poor performing heating system on COLD winter nights. Get ready for winter by followiung these tips.
1- Replace filters; they trap amnd keep lint, pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander from contaminating the air. They should be replaced every month so the evaporator coil won’t get clogged; a dirty filter can cause the gas burners to prematurely turn on and off, which results in a higher gas bill.
2- Inspect and clean ductwork; dents or damage could cause air to leak under your home or attic, depending on where your duct work is installed. Leaks will cause a system to run excessively during the winter.
3- Replace outdated thermostats; outdated thermostats prohibit the efficiency of your heating system. Your system won’t properly regulate the temperature of your home.
4- Check refrigerant levels; low levels negatively impact your systems performance, even in the winter; low levels of refrigerant during the winter will cause then unit to freeze emergency heat and to run abnormally and possibly raise your utility bill.
5- Perform a carbon monoxide test; carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless, poisonous gas that kills 150 people a year as a result of problems with fuel burning furnaces, stoves, fireplaces and hot water heaters.