Even those of us in the South appreciate how well heating works in the winter. I’ve lived throughout the region, and have experienced temperatures in the teens at night, and even the occasional hard frost in the morning. When I know to expect harsh weather, I want to snuggle up at home without having to pile on every single blanket I own. I count on my HVAC to work when I need it, and I know to pay attention when things don’t appear to work correctly. Minding my HVAC early on helps me prepare for cold nights so I don’t have to shiver while waiting for a mechanic.
How can we avoid problems with heating in the winter? You actually have to begin your plan early in the year, probably when you are not using your heating and air as much. This is where it gets tricky, because if you’re less likely to run your HVAC you probably won’t think much of it. Therefore, you may neglect regular inspections and checking the filters to see if they need to be replaced. If you do, you run the risk of problems in the future. Clogged filters won’t put out the heat you need, and you may automatically reached for the thermostat to crank up the temperature. In turn, your HVAC probably works harder than it has to, and you end up paying more when the utility bills come in.
There is a solution that definitely won’t cost you so much money – check up on your filters every months or so and replace accordingly. Keep the air circulating clearly throughout the house and make sure nothing is blocked against your vents. Let the passage of air come through and warm up your home.
Another problem with high bills you might experience could come from heating rooms that aren’t in use. If you spend more time in your bedroom or living room, there may not be a reason to heat guest rooms if nobody is staying over. Before winter hits, consider looking into upgrading your system so that you can control which rooms get more heat and which are set at a comfortable level in case you move around the house.
You can avoid problems with heating and air in the winter by having a professional inspect your ducts and unit before the cold comes along. Preventative actions done in the fall can help you stay cozy and warm through the holidays.
