As the orange and gold of Autumn begins to turn dreary and grey, there’s an undeniable crispness in the air whispering that winter is coming.
In the heart of Central Arkansas, it’s the time of year when we all start to think about the holidays… nights spent in warm, cozy homes with family and friends.
Before you get caught up in the festivities, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your home is ready for the cold. Let’s examine how you can prepare for the upcoming season.
Switch The ‘Stat
Transitioning your thermostat from its summer duties to winter responsibilities is a simple but crucial step. It’s about setting the stage for comfort as the cold encroaches.
So, turn that dial a few degrees above the current room temperature and listen for the reassuring hum of your furnace powering up. Silence is a signal to pick up the phone and call Brad immediately.
Before you find yourself in an emergency, Brad can come out and troubleshoot and resolve any issues.
The Ceiling Fan Flip
The humble ceiling fan works day in and day out without complaint, moving air around your home. Many people are unaware that you can control the direction the blades are spinning… and that there is a good reason for it.
With a flick of a switch, you can set your fan blades to rotate clockwise. This minor adjustment creates an updraft that circulates warm air into the living space. Not only does this prevent cool drafts from coming from the ceiling, but it also boosts your heating system’s efficiency.
Cover It Up
Baby, it’s cold outside… and not just for those of us with skin!
Did you know that snow and ice can damage your exterior HVAC equipment? That’s why they make a specially designed, breathable cover shielding the AC from the elements.
Protect your outdoor unit from the elements, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
(By the way, when you cover the unit, turn off the power so it doesn’t start up during an unseasonable warm spell.)
A Breath of Fresh Air
If there’s one mantra we repeat at Brad’s Heating & Air, it’s the importance of a clean air filter. The importance of this unassuming item cannot be overstated.
Working to trap particulates that would otherwise circulate through your home, the air filter protects both your HVAC system and your family’s lungs.
We recommend a monthly filter change, especially if you live with pets or someone with allergies.
The Annual Tune-Up
Another vitally important step in protecting your HVAC equipment is the annual maintenance visit. When Brad comes out and tunes up your furnace, it helps to avoid a system failure when you need it most.
Among other things, our tune-up will include cleaning burners, testing safety features, inspecting the heat exchanger, and verifying thermostat functions.
The Veins of Your Home
The ductwork in your home serves as the circulatory system for warm air. Over time, these pathways can deteriorate, leading to energy loss and reduced air quality.
Regular inspections can reveal punctures, blockages, and even mold threats.
While a keen eye might notice some problems in ductwork, we recommend giving us a call so that we can give your ducts a meticulous inspection.
Silent but Deadly
Carbon monoxide is a stealthy risk, especially in winter when homes are sealed tight against the cold. Testing your CO detectors is a quick but vital act to safeguard your family against this invisible danger.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, an annual chimney inspection is important. Carbon tends to build up in the chimney, leading to fire hazards and the aforementioned CO problem.
Insulation, Please
If your attic is several degrees colder than the inside of your home, it’s essential to ensure that your insulation is doing its job.
We highly recommend that your attic has an R-value of 49. If your attic is not up to this standard, now is the time for an upgrade. This will enhance your warmth this winter and will also be noticeable when it comes time to pay the electric bill.
Crank It Up
Before winter hits with frozen fury, you should give your heating system a dress rehearsal. Turn on your furnace and let it run full tilt to ensure everything is working. This will let you know whether you’re in good shape to face the upcoming temperatures… or if you need Brad to do some work to get you ready.
Home Sweet Home
With your HVAC system primed for winter, turn your attention inward. Everybody loves a clean home… it just makes us feel better about everything. Beyond aesthetics, a tidy house is also much healthier.
We spend more time cooped up indoors during the winter, so the air quality becomes even more critical. Cleaning up the dirt, dust, and allergens can mitigate many of the health issues associated with winter.
Final Thoughts
Don’t get caught in the cold… follow these important tips so that your heating system is ready to keep you warm.
And, as always, if something isn’t working as it should, Brad’s Heating & Air is just a phone call away. Dial us at (501) 330-8066, and we’ll be at your doorstep in no time!
