Today marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, and you know what that means… Wave goodbye to your A/C and give a warm welcome back to your furnace! The time to start preparing for the cold is now, and here’s where we suggest you begin.
Clear the way.
If your vents are blocked, your heat will have nowhere to go! Check each register to be sure that there are no carpets, furniture, or curtains obstructing air flow. This will ensure that your home heats adequately and cost-effectively all season. Remember, heat rises so adjusting your vents is a good money saving tip. Those on the first floor should be open wider than those on the top floor.
Switch up the fans.
In the summer, your ceiling fans should go counter-clockwise, pulling hot air up and out. However, in the cooler months we want to keep warm air right where it belongs. That’s why it’s important to change your fan to move clockwise instead. Many models have an easy switch button, but manually flipping the fan blades may be required for some.
Clean the vents.
Has it been awhile since your duct system was given a proper cleaning? If so, hire a professional to take the reins. For light cleaning, grab the vacuum and remove any visible debris from the interior and exterior of your vents. Keeping air ducts clean helps improve efficiency and maximize indoor air quality.
Change the filters.
We couldn’t leave this one out, could we? Just a friendly reminder to check, change or clean your air filters on a monthly basis! A clean air filter makes for a happy, well-regulated home.
Secure the home.
Add extra insulation where necessary, paying close attention to the upper level and attic spaces. Since air rises, a poorly insulated attic will have your home heating rising up and out — not very cost-effective at all! Don’t forget to reseal your door jambs and windows as well, and fill any noticeable holes in your home’s roofing and exterior siding. The name of the game is to keep the warm air in, no matter what.
The last step is to fire up the furnace and make sure it’s ready to rock for the cold months ahead. While you can give it a go on your own, we suggest giving your local HVAC company a call. That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your seasonal maintenance has been done by a pro. Just make sure you hop to it sooner than later! There’s nothing as uncomfortable as waiting until the first cold front to find out your furnace is on the fritz.
If you live in Fairfield County, New Haven County or the surrounding areas and are looking to get your furnace up and running for fall, Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC is the obvious choice. With friendly, knowledgeable technicians, and a ton of fall installation and repair specials to choose from, we guarantee you’ll be 100% satisfied! For more details, call 203-378-4700 today.
