The 5 Maintenance Checks You Need to Prepare for Winter

The changing seasons are a time for fresh starts, transitions, and preparation. As homeowners start battening down the hatches for the colder months, you can get a head start by making sure these five areas are prepped and ready.

Air Filter Upgrade.

While it should be changed every month, your home’s air filter should be changed and ready for when you begin using your heating system. A clogged air filter will cause your HVAC system to use more energy, resulting in an unnecessary increase in your heating bill. If you want to be proactive, you can even buy in bulk and avoid later trekking through the elements.

Closed Door Policy.

Also of vital importance is accounting for every entryway and open source for the outdoors to make its way inside. Windows, doorways, roof access and basement entries, areas where walls meet: all need to be properly adjusted and sealed to ensure that no wasted circulation occurs.

An open path through the attic can let as much heat escape as a wide-open window, so be certain that your home’s fortification is thorough.

Out with the Cold, In with the Humidity.

Restarting a heating system after enjoying the summer months can quickly create a dry environment indoors. A humidifier can alleviate the pangs of this transition, thwart static buildup in your home, and even provide some additional health benefits for your air and complexion. It’s important to ensure that your humidifier unit is properly cleaned and ready to reinitiate, so take the proper steps to make sure it’s in working order.

If you’ve never thought about having a humidifier, there are a number of options available to you—from single room units to house-wide humidifying units that provide the most long-term benefit.

All Clear Outdoors.

An often-overlooked obstacle that can hinder savings is built up debris or foliage on or around your outdoor HVAC unit. Take the proper steps to clear the brush and buildup appropriately.

This is something best done while the weather is still temperate and the last thing you’ll want to worry about in the thick of winter. Make certain that the unit remains unobstructed and prevent any potential threats by trimming any nearby foliage.

Expert Opinion.

Before the increased demand hits, it’s in your best interest to have a trained HVAC specialist inspect your entire system to make sure it’s in fully operational. He or she will be able to provide you with the best practical advice for enjoying controlled-climate comfort during the winter while simultaneously saving wherever possible. Your specialist will also be able to perform a number of these checks if need be.

Unforeseen emergencies do happen, but having these preparations in place will help to minimize or even eliminate the threat of them occurring. For those unforeseeable worst-case scenarios, just know that emergency HVAC services do exist.

Preparing Your Home for Fall

As summer fades and fall looms, it’s the perfect time for Salt Lake City residents to prepare their property for the season’s unpredictable weather conditions. The following checklist is a handy reference that will have you ready for autumn in no time.

Take care of the gutters. As your gutters collect piles of summer debris, it’s easy for clogs to form. Remove twigs, leaves and other materials from your gutters and flush them with a hose. Remember basic ladder safety and never do this unless someone else is home!

Winterize outdoor faucets. When it’s time to shut off the sprinklers, it’s a good idea to remove hoses from their spigots and drain outdoor pipes so you don’t face the cost and inconvenience of water damage.

Clean up the fireplace. Clear old logs and debris from the hearth, and hire a professional to remove last year’s ashes and soot from inside your chimney. Keeping your chimney maintained prevents dangerous particulates from entering your home—and reduces the risk of structural fires.

Keep the cold weather outside. Weather stripping windows and doors keeps you cozy while lowering utility bills. Look for light and feel for air around openings and outlets. To insulate your home from drafts, choose from a variety of foam, vinyl or felt weather stripping (depending upon the application). Aging homes may also require window replacement to improve comfort and lower energy use. This can be a costly investment, so consider replacing a few at a time, starting with main living areas.

Prioritize family safety. Each year, it is a good idea to have a family meeting to go over safety measures, fire escape routes, and disaster preparation. This is also an ideal time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Visit the FEMA website or Be Ready Utah for comprehensive information about being prepared for weather, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances.

Maintain your heating system. We have compiled a list of do-it-yourself tasks that will keep your HVAC system running safely and comfortably, year round. In addition, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection one to two times per year. HVAC inspections are not a gimmick. Studies show that well-maintained furnaces and heat pumps last longer and run more efficiently than overlooked systems. Your HVAC technician will inspect and clean your equipment, change filters, and alert you to potential safety hazards. Reputable HVAC companies often provide coupons and promotions for system winterization, so this is an affordable investment you can’t afford to neglect.

To schedule a seasonal inspection for your home comfort system, or to inquire about fall specials and HVAC winterization services, call 801.930.5151 or email our team of skilled technicians today!