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.

Humidify for Winter Energy Savings

If falling Salt Lake Valley temperatures have you headed for the thermostat, keep in mind it costs an average of $144 to heat your home to 65 degrees—and $200 to maintain 72 degrees! Instead of tolerating an indoor chill to save money, consider installing a whole-house humidifier. Moist air retains heat better than dry air, making you more comfortable without turning up the furnace. Plus, a humidifier requires significantly less energy than a furnace or heat pump—so you’ll enjoy twofold energy savings. 

 

Here’s how it works.

A whole-house humidifier connects to your home’s heating and cooling system, and utilizes the system’s ductwork to circulate moist air throughout your home. High-quality humidifiers monitor humidity levels and are programmed to control moisture output. This is important, because excessive moisture may lead to mold and mildew growth.

 

The Proven Benefits

Aside from energy savings, humidifiers offer a number of other benefits for homeowners living in Utah’s dry, unforgiving climate. These include:

• Hydrated skin & hair. Forced air heating can lower humidity to 10 percent, leading to eczema, dry scalp, psoriasis, dry eyes and other bothersome conditions. To remain healthy, skin and hair require humidity levels of 30 to 40 percent. A whole house humidifier can be used year-round to establish these levels.
• Relief from asthma and allergies. Excessive drying of nasal membranes aggravates asthma, sinusitis and upper respiratory infections while making it more difficult to recover from colds. Appropriate moisture levels improve health and prevent drying of sinus passages.
• Preservation of wood furniture. Wood becomes parched in dry climates—and may crack or buckle. A Utah whole-house humidifier maintains optimal relative humidity, reducing cracking and other wood damage. (It’s important to note that too much humidity is not good for furniture, either. Your Main Street HVAC specialist can help you establish appropriate humidity levels.) 
• Reduced static. In addition to the annoyance of unwanted static electricity, too much static may damage electronic equipment. Proper humidification helps to mitigate this condition, which is common in the Salt Lake Valley.

Whole-house humidifiers are surprisingly affordable, and cost depends upon the size of your home and type of HVAC system. However, if a whole-house humidifier isn’t in the budget this year, you can still benefit from purchasing high-quality room humidifiers for bedrooms and living areas. Target, Walmart, big-box stores and other retailers carry these room-sized units, and many stores offer seasonal sales and coupons toward the purchase. Visit ConsumerReports.org for a humidifier buying guide.

To request an estimate for whole-house humidification, or to speak with a Main Street team member about the benefits of Utah humidifiers (including potential energy savings!), call 801-930-5151 or email info@mainstreetcomfort.com today. Our HVAC and humidification specialists provide industry-leading service, and look forward to solving your home comfort problems!