Why Get Your HVAC System Ready for Winter Now

Winter is coming. It’s time to get ready with a service visit from your Cincinnati HVAC provider.

Professional HVAC maintenance undoes the past season’s wear. It also can address minor problems that might cause inefficient and more expensive operation.

Many issues, when caught early on, can be resolved with simple, affordable repairs. Well-maintained systems protect homeowners from surprise repairs and heating outages on cold winter nights.

Be sure to call one of Cincinnati’s best heating companies. Check reviews and references before scheduling service.

What else you can do to keep your home cozy all winter

Change your Cincinnati home air filters

Air filters should be replaced from monthly to every 12 months, depending on the type of filter.

When filters are dirty, more contaminants pass into the furnace or air handler, where they can settle and accumulate on components, restricting their efficiency and causing damage. This can also cause equipment to overheat, leaving you without heat when the system shuts down for safety, and potentially damaging components.

Prep your humidifier

The humidifier’s water panel should be changed to ensure maximum efficiency.
Remove and clean the water reservoir to get rid of microbes and mineral scale buildup.
Wipe down the exterior housing and the intake vent that leads to the humidifier’s fan (for fan-powered and steam humidifiers).
Inspect the drain line to ensure there are no leaks.
Make sure the humidifier is turned on—you may have shut it down in the spring.

If the humidifier malfunctions, your home may not receive adequate moisture or get too much, leading to problems such as mold growth and water damage.

Re-program your thermostat

Sixty-eight degrees is recommended to maximize heating energy efficiency without reducing comfort.
During periods when you are gone, set thermostat temperatures back 10 to 15 degrees. Temperatures set back for at least eight hours a day can help reduce energy consumption by as much as 10% each year. Your heating system will run less, helping it last longer!
Choose the AUTO fan setting. This allows the blower to run only when the heating system cycles.

Winterize outdoor HVAC equipment

· Clean off the exterior of the unit, removing any debris stuck to the fins. Weed out plants or vegetation growing up around the unit.

· Remove any items stored up against the unit; two feet of clearance should be left around it on all sides.

· Trim bushes and trees to remove dead limbs and branches which could fall on the unit during a storm.

· Clean any gutters positioned overhead to prevent water dripping onto the unit. If gutters leak above the HVAC unit, have them fixed right away.

· To prevent accidental use over the winter, turn your unit off at the ON/OFF switch, typically located on the wall where refrigerant lines run indoors.

· While there are AC covers available, they are not necessary. If you’re worried about storm damage, it’s ok to put a plywood board on top your outside unit. But don’t leave it on too long, or moisture could build up inside and damage components.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Test alarms and detectors monthly.
Replace batteries every six months, or when you hear chirping.
C02 detectors should be replaced every five to seven years; smoke alarms every 10.

More things to do

Clean and clear your air vents
Test your furnace
Consider a climate zone system for troublesome hot and cold spots
Change the direction of your ceiling fan

Any time your heating system does not seem to be working properly, call Jansen Heating & Cooling for a prompt, affordable Cincinnati heater repair.