Winter in Evansville, IN can get chilly, which is why it’s important that you take the necessary steps to prepare your HVAC system. There are several DIY tasks that you can do yourself, but we here at G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. would be happy to come to your home for routine maintenance, inspections, new equipment installation, and more.
Routine Filter Changes
Your system’s air filter should be changed once every 30 to 90 days. The exact time frame you follow will depend on things like the type of filter that you are using, how often you run your HVAC equipment, the last time you had your ducts cleaned, and the level of pollution near your home. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, we recommend performing more frequent filter changes for optimal indoor air quality. Changing your filter can also protect the interior components of your HVAC system.
Switch From Cooling to Heating
As fall approaches and the temperature begins to drop, you’ll probably want to switch from cooling to heating. This is usually a simple switch that you manually make from your thermostat. Also, ensure that your fan is set to the “auto” function so the fan turns on only when your furnace kicks on.
Routine Inspections and Necessary Maintenance
Our knowledgeable and experienced team can inspect and service your HVAC system before winter comes and you really need it. This appointment should occur at least once per year. It gives us a chance to find any issues that you may not know about. Minor repairs are easier to address than a catastrophic shutdown of your entire HVAC system. Also, routine maintenance can lengthen the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment and boost system efficiency.
Assess for Sounds and Smells
You should turn on your furnace prior to needing it for the first time. This is intended to confirm your furnace works, but it can also help you spot issues before a cold spell. You might notice that there is a slight dusty smell coming from your vents for the first few minutes of runtime. This is perfectly normal and occurs from particulate matter building up on the interior of your system. If you notice a burning smell or the smell doesn’t go away, turn your system off and contact our team.
You shouldn’t hear anything abnormal, either. If your system is squeaking, squealing, or clanking, there could be issues with your blower motor, ductwork, or some other interior component. The fix may be as simple as lubricating or cleaning something. It’s important you don’t neglect to address any odd sounds you hear.
Have Your Ductwork Cleaned and Inspected
As air circulates through your HVAC system, it’s inevitable that particulates will accumulate on the interior of your ductwork. In general, try to have your ducts cleaned every two to three years to protect your indoor air quality and HVAC equipment. During this process, we can inspect all your ductwork to check for small gaps, holes, or cracks that can decreasing efficiency and air quality.
Maintain Your Add-Ons
There are several ways that you can maintain healthy and safe indoor air quality, including the use of whole-house air purification, ventilation systems, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. We recommend that all this equipment be cleaned and serviced prior to winter.
Don’t Forget Your Thermostat
If you’re still using a standard thermostat, you may want to consider upgrading. When the temperature gets cold outside, you’ll be using your furnace pretty frequently. You can save on run time and energy consumption by using the scheduling feature on a smart thermostat. You can also control your interior temperature remotely using a smart device that connects to your thermostat. Depending on the thermostat you choose, you can use other features throughout the winter, such as humidity control, learning habits, and more.
We offer a full range of services for heating and cooling equipment, from installation to repairs and more, including heating maintenance services. We can also assess your indoor air quality or add whole-house filtration! Contact G. R. Freeman Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule an appointment.
