As the chill of winter sets in, it’s time to set aside time to ensure your HVAC system is ready to handle the cold and keep your home warm for the next few months. The following five tips will help ensure your system runs well and may end up saving you the hassle of costly and unexpected repairs as the Southeast Michigan winter wears on.
1. Replace Your Filters
Replacing air filters regularly is one of the most effective ways to preserve your system’s performance. HVAC air filters are needed to keep impurities out of your home’s air, and when they get clogged, there is a twofold problem: Your home’s indoor air quality will suffer, and airflow will be limited, so your system has to work much harder.
2. Check Your Vents
Even with regular filter changes, your vents can accumulate dirt and dust over time. If you see a buildup at the vents, you can use a hose attachment with your vacuum to remove at least some of the dust and dirt. However, dirt and dust buildup in the vents may also indicate growing blockages in the ductwork, which you’ll need a professional to remove.
3. Clean the Outdoor Condenser
Autumn and its falling leaves can sweep debris into your outdoor condensing unit and its coils. Turn off the power and remove any leaves you can see clogging the fans or coils, and make sure to clear the area immediately surrounding the unit to prevent future obstruction.
4. Check the Thermostat & Listen
When making the switch over from cooling to heating, make sure you listen to the system kick on. Set the temperature five or so degrees higher than room temperature, and wait to hear the heating go into action.
Listen while letting it run for a couple of minutes. If you hear any unusual noises or the heat doesn’t come on at all, you’ll need a repair.
5. Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Heating systems should receive routine maintenance each year before winter gets into full swing. Professional heating maintenance includes inspections and tune-ups that the average homeowner can’t perform themselves, such as replacing worn belts or pulleys, checking electrical connections, and confirming that the ignition burner assembly and heating elements are working as intended.
Robin Aire’s Worry-Free Service Program makes it easy to get professional maintenance with automatically scheduled safety inspections and automatic reminders. Our plan allows us to spot problems and make minor repairs before the issues snowball into sudden failure and costly fixes.
Contact Robin Aire Service Company today to schedule your Southeast Michigan furnace maintenance service. We are available by phone at (800) 361-0888 and online for your convenience.
