Furnace Maintenance Checklist for a Warm Winter

Simple Furnace Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Efficient During the Winter

After a long, hot summer, the fall has arrived with the promise of cooler weather. But winter weather in Texas can be quite fickle, with daily temperature swings between sunny days and cold nights. It is a good thing that the same system that keeps us cool all summer long is also responsible for keeping us warm all winter long. Such a hard-working heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs regular furnace maintenance.

• Annual furnace maintenance has been recognized as the key to extending the lifespan of HVAC systems. The average useful lifespan of HVAC systems ranges between 15 and 20 years. Regular maintenance adds about 5 years to that average.
• As an HVAC system ages, the efficiency will suffer slightly from wear and tear. Annual maintenance helps to keep the system running efficiently throughout the year.
• Maintenance includes a lot of cleaning, including changing the air filter. All of this cleaning helps improve the indoor air quality, an excellent health benefit for the entire family.

While professional furnace maintenance is so important, it is only the beginning.

• The air filter needs to be used more than once per year. With every heating and cooling cycle, the air filter faithfully collects airborne particles. Eventually, the dust and pollen coat the filter and restrict airflow. While this seems like a small matter, the HVAC system requires massive amounts of air to move through the chambers. Expect the whole volume of air in the house to pass through the HVAC system every two minutes of a heating or cooling cycle. The air filter needs to be changed at least every three months, and this is a simple task that does not require a technician to complete.

The reason HVAC systems have air filters is to clean the air and keep contaminants from concentrating indoors: it is primarily a health safety feature. Air filters protect the people we are closest to, so changing the air filter also protects our family.

• Check-in with the thermostat, and the ON and OFF switch for the HVAC system. The small device contains temperature sensors and a mini-computer that controls the heater, the air conditioner, and the heat pump, when applicable. However, these electronics run on normal batteries and need to be changed annually, unless you are willing to risk the battery failing at some random and inconvenient time.
• If your thermostat needs batteries, it is also programmable. Not only can you program the desired temperature, but you can also schedule temperature changes to meet the family schedule. For instance, scheduling a reduction in temperature overnight while everyone is sleeping can improve sleep quality and reduce energy consumption. Schedule a 30-minute buffer before the first arises each morning. Consult your thermostat manufacturer for details.

Some programmable thermostats are also Smart and connected to the internet. These thermostats have many features that can help save energy and customize family comfort. Again, consult your thermostat manufacturer for details.

• Is your home properly insulated to keep the home comfortable? Can you feel a draft around the windows and doors? Adding insulation and weatherproofing are simple DIY tasks homeowners can complete.

Beyond these maintenance tasks, use the fickle weather to your advantage.

• Open blinds or drapes on cold sunny days. This allows your home and building system to benefit from solar gain, the cheapest form of energy available.
• Open windows judiciously to dilute the concentration of contaminants indoors and make the home safer.

Furnace Maintenance: Prepare Your Home for Winter

When you need furnace maintenance, come to the name the Texas Gulf Coast trusts, Doctor Cool & Professor Heat. As an award-winning, BBB-accredited Furnace Maintenance and HVAC installation contractor serving the League City and surrounding area, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional service to our customers. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.