Prepare Your HVAC System for Cold Weather

School is well underway, football season is back, and the nostalgia of fall is starting to set in. With all the excitement and activities, it can be easy to forget to take care of basic home maintenance to get ready for the colder weather. If you’ve lived in Iowa for more than a week, you know that the temperature can make drastic swings in a matter of 24 short hours. Having a furnace ready on a moment’s notice is essential for your comfort and safety.

DIY HVAC Maintenance

If you’re a homeowner, you know how daunting a task involving an appliance can be. The lingo of an HVAC system if over your head. The components seem too sophisticated for you to be able to handle. We get that. And there are some things that should be left to a professional. The good news is there are three simple, but important, tasks you can complete to aid in the well-being of your HVAC system!

Change Your HVAC Air Filter

This is a manageable task that any homeowner can, and should, complete every 30-90 days. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to work harder and increase your energy bills. Your furnace may come with a high-efficiency rating, but that can be compromised by a filter full of dirt and airborne particles. We recommend using an air filter with a MERV rating of 8 or less. The higher MERV rated filters can suffocate the system and shorten the life expectancy of your furnace.

To replace your HVAC air filter:

1. Locate your air handler unit (typically located in the basement or appliance closet) 
2. Remove the old air filter by pulling up or sliding it out. 
3. Insert the new air filter. Be sure the arrow on the air filter is pointing in the proper direction of airflow. 

Update Your Thermostat Settings

As the season’s change, so should your thermostat batteries. Exchange the old batteries for a fresh set to assure your thermostat is working properly. Dead batteries will not allow your system to kick on. Set a new schedule on your programmable thermostat or adjust the temperature to a level you are comfortable with. In addition to the temperature setting, you can update your humidity setting either at the thermostat or the humidistat. You may want to revisit these settings as the weather transitions from fall to winter. 

Check Your Vents

Take a walk around the house to be sure your return air vents and supply vents are open and not blocked by furniture, clothes, blankets, or anything else. We recommend at least one inch of clearance to allow adequate airflow and proper heating of your home. The big idea is to avoid having anything pressed up against your vents.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

Unless you’re an HVAC technician, there is only so much you should attempt to handle on your own when it comes to HVAC maintenance. Any appliance should receive professional attention from time-to-time. The goal of regular maintenance is to give your system a thorough inspection, assure proper functionality, and bring attention to any problems. This is a low-cost way to be sure you maximize energy efficiency and extend the lifetime of your unit. Simply put, regular maintenance is better than frequent repairs or needing replacement due to a lack of care.

Annual Furnace Maintenance

With the need for maintenance established, a good place to start is with annual service on your furnace. At Cyclone Contracting, our licensed and professional HVAC technicians will focus on maintaining a highly-functioning HVAC system that operates safely in your home. 

Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Your air ducts play a huge role in your HVAC system. It’s easy for the cleanliness of your ducts to be forgotten. After all, they are hidden in the cavities of the walls of your home. It can be hard to know just how dirty they are. Learn more about why duct cleaning is so important for you and your home! 

Sign Up For The Proactive Maintenance Plan

Don’t find yourself stuck in the cold in your own home! Get signed up for the Proactive Maintenance Plan with Cyclone Contracting to be sure your HVAC is doing its job at the highest level all year long.