6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Winter Season

6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Winter Season

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During the winter season, Pittsburgh is a winter wonderland. Just last month, we were gripped with sub-zero temperatures and the cold weather conditions continue. With temperatures still on the low, many of us find our utility bills going way up. This is mostly because of heating costs. But if you were able to prepare your HVAC system early on and maintained it properly, you can bring down your energy usage plus make your HVAC system last longer.

The winter season may  be almost over (we dearly hope that it won’t extend even for a day) but winter comes every year. If you were not able to prepare your HVAC system this year, here are some tips on how you can prepare it for the next winter season.

How to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for the Colder Months

Perform Checks on Your HVAC System

Many HVAC systems can last for as long as 2 decades before needing replacement. You should closely examine your HVAC unit to see if it is still efficient and properly functioning. If you find that it is no longer functioning as it should, give a Pittsburgh HVAC company a call and have it replaced with an HVAC unit that suits your home’s needs. For sure this will seem like a large cost initially but in the long run, an HVAC unit that is functioning properly and efficiently will save you money plus it will make your home warmer and safer.

And Get the Checks Done Ahead of the Winter Season

See to it that you give your HVAC system a check ahead of the winter season. You would want to avoid finding out that you need a new unit during the winter season. Remember that the winter season is the busiest for most Pittsburgh HVAC companies. You can end up waiting for days in your home trying to bear the freezing temperatures before you get someone to install a new HVAC unit in your home.

Remember to Clean Or Change Your Filter When Needed

Cleaning the filter every month will help keep your HVAC unit functioning at optimum level. Your HVAC unit will at one point need a new filter. Sometimes all your HVAC unit needs to start working properly again is a new filter. You might want to consider getting a reusable filter as with just a good rinse you can use it again just like new.

Say Goodbye to Your Old Thermostat

Older thermostat models that use mercury can give inaccurate readings. You may think that you have set your home temperature to what you think is warm enough but with a mercury thermostat it usually means that the heat is more than the temperature you were aiming for. This means that you are using unnecessary electricity which in money language translates to higher bills. A digital thermostat is more ideal since it reads temperature levels accurately. You can also program it so the heating is turned on before you get back home and turned off automatically when you leave your  home.

Don’t Forget to Clean and Inspect the Heating Ducts

For your HVAC unit to function efficiently and give your home a fresh, clean air, don’t forget to regularly clean the heating ducts. You should also make sure that you check the ducts for punctures, dents, and disconnected parts. Any damage in the ducts can raise your bills up. You would not like the idea of wasted warm air blowing away most of your hard-earned money. You should also see to it that your heating ducts are properly insulated to avoid air from escaping.

Consult a Pittsburgh HVAC Company or Contractor

If you don’t know how to perform the necessary checks for your HVAC unit or you’re having a  hard time doing these checks on your own, or perhaps you just don’t have the time for it, it is best to consult a Pittsburgh HVAC company or contractor for this job. Aside from performing these maintenance checks, these professionals can also inspect the belts, motors and electrical switches of your HVAC system.  It is best to schedule an appointment with them before the cold winds start blowing as most  companies have busy schedules during the winter season.

Before Pittsburgh becomes a winter wonderland next year, remember to get your HVAC system ready!

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