Winters in the Chicago area can be magical, with storybook snow and holiday lights, but they can also be brutally cold. That means that you need your home’s heating system to be in tip-top shape so that your family stays safe and comfortable.
Doing some preparation can go a long way toward ensuring that your heating system functions properly throughout the cold winter, and that your A/C is ready to go when summer comes around again.
Replace Your Furnace Filter
Your filter catches debris that can get into your heating system, decreasing its energy efficiency and potentially causing damage. That’s why it’s important to check your furnace filter monthly and change it if it appears dirty. It’s a simple and inexpensive task that can keep your furnace operating properly and your energy bills at a minimum.
Clean Your Ducts and Vents
Dust and debris can collect in your ducts and vents which restricts airflow and can substantially lower your HVAC system’s efficiency. To clean your vents, vacuum debris from the covers or clean them with soap and water. Make sure all your vents stay open. Closed vents do not save energy because it causes unbalanced air flow which reduces the efficiency of your system.
Cleaning ducts requires a high-powered vacuum and a stiff brush for scraping, which makes duct cleaning a job that most people leave to professionals.
Give Your Furnace Space
If your furnace is in a storage area, make sure that nothing is kept within three feet of the unit. This allows air to flow around the unit and keeps your belongings safe from heat damage or fire. It also makes your furnace easier to access when maintenance is needed, or when you change your filter.
Check Your Furnace Flue
If you have a gas furnace, you have a flue that directs carbon monoxide and other fumes out of your home, so a blocked flue means that the fumes will stay in your home. Check the flue pipe for signs or moisture or rust, and then go outside and remove the flue cap to check for any blockages that need to be removed. If you find anything wrong, give TR Miller a call so that we can ensure that fumes can escape properly. Keeping your flue clear is important for your family’s safety.
Clear Your A/C Unit of Debris
During the winter, your outdoor A/C unit still needs some love. Leaves and other debris in or around the unit should be cleared regularly so that when hot temperatures hit, it operates properly. It’s not advisable, however, to cover the unit. Leaving a cover on all winter can hold in moisture that can damage the unit or encourage critters to nest underneath.
Check Your Gas Connection
You should check your gas connection regularly to make sure it’s not loose and leaking. You may not necessarily be able to smell it if it’s a small leak, but you can apply soapy water to the connection. If it bubbles, you have a leak. Gas leaks should not be taken lightly, so its best to have an annual inspection of your heating system which will include a gas leak check.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks that let cold air into your home are a leading cause of wasted energy, and can account for up to 10% of your energy bills. You can use weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam insulation to seal gaps, including:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Gaps around openings where pipes, wiring, or ducts enter your home
- Your kitchen exhaust fan
- Skylights
You can also install foam gaskets in your electrical outlets and light switches that are on exterior walls. This will insulate them from the cold.
Test Your CO Detectors
Test your CO detectors at least once a month and change the batteries once a year. At the same time, you should check your smoke detectors and change their batteries as well.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to program your desired temperatures, and to adjust your temperature from anywhere. This can come in handy when you’re on your way home and want to warm up the house before you arrive, or when you leave your home and forget to turn down the thermostat.
Test Your Heating Unit
Before the cold temperatures hit, turn on your unit and do the following:
- Check all your home’s vents to make sure you feel warm air.
- Listen for any strange sounds.
- Check for odors. You’ll probably smell a burning smell when you turn on the unit, but it should go away within about 10 minutes. A continued burning smell or a chemical smell can indicate a problem.
- Leave the unit on long enough to make sure that it runs through its cycles.
If any of these checks indicate a problem, give TR Miller a call.
Have Your HVAC System Inspected and Serviced
The best way to ensure that your HVAC system is ready for winter is to have your system professionally inspected, cleaned, and serviced. This will ensure not only the proper operation of your system, but also keep it at maximum efficiency.
An inspection, cleaning, and servicing will include (but not be limited to) the following:
- A filter check
- Air flow adjustments
- Leak check
- Cleaning and adjustments of all furnace components
- Drain inspections
- Lubrication of parts
- Cycle check
- Thermostat inspection
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Wiring test and adjustment
- Flue inspection and clearing
- Check of carbon monoxide levels
- Gas line check
- Sensor check
TR Miller Is Your HVAC Maintenance Partner
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been serving the HVAC needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our certified technicians are highly trained in HVAC maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your family’s comfort and safety.
Give us a call in the fall before winter hits, and we can thoroughly inspect your HVAC system, clean it, and perform any maintenance or repairs that are required. With TR Miller as your HVAC partner, you can rest assured that your HVAC system will perform properly and at maximum efficiency throughout the winter and the rest of the year.
