We’re two months into the new year, and that means our home heating systems have been working hard here in Minnesota. However, we know their job isn’t done quite yet. To help you make it through the rest of the heating season, we’ve outlined some winter HVAC maintenance reminders.
Maintain a Clean Filter
Simple, important, and always worth repeating. Dirty air filters lead to poor indoor air quality and make your system work harder, causing higher bills and eventually more repairs. Change disposable air filters every one to three months and clean re-usable ones monthly.
Keep Vents Clean and Free of Debris
We all know how easy it is for bags, boxes, and other items to get moved around and forgotten. Check your vents and make sure nothing is blocking the heat. And be sure to dust and vacuum the vents to help maintain air quality.
Thermostat Care
You might touch your thermostat daily, but when was the last time you did any cleaning or maintenance? Smart models like the Nest Learning Thermostat simply need occasional dusting, while others require some interior cleaning. In general, you’ll want to remove the cover and carefully clean any dirt/debris inside with a soft brush, but consult the manufacturer of your specific model.
Clean and Check Up on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are crucial for home safety and emergencies, but they’re also easy to forget about. Test them weekly to make sure they’re working properly and clean them at least monthly. Typically, smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years and CO detectors every five. To help keep you and your family safe, Stafford offers expert installation, inspection, and maintenance of smoke and CO alarms.
Be Mindful of Drafts
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
If your furnace is trying to tell you something is wrong, listen! You don’t want to wait until it’s too late, so keep an eye out for some warning signs and contact your furnace repair specialist if you notice any of the following:
- Increased utility bills might be due to your furnace working harder due to damage.
- Strange sounds indicate a mechanical issue.
- Strange, persistent smells potentially mean a broken electrical component.
- Poor indoor air quality could be caused by a furnace issue.
- A yellow/flickering burner flame could indicate a CO leak.
- Unexplained illnesses are another sign of a potential CO leak.
Spring may be getting closer, but there’s definitely plenty of cold for us to get through before then. Use these winter HVAC maintenance reminders to keep your home cozy and safe until the warmer weather hits. And remember, the experts at Stafford Home Service Inc. are here for all your heating and cooling needs. Contact us to learn more.
