It’s the most wonderful time of the year…unless everyone is freezing because your HVAC system broke down. While you can’t avoid every disaster, there are things you can do to ensure that your holiday is bright (and warm)! Here are some tips for avoiding costly holiday repairs during this festive season.
Replace Air Filters
Sometimes, small, simple actions can make the most impact. Being diligent with changing your air filters may involve a relatively small cost upfront but can save you big money over time. In general, filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days but may need to be replaced more frequently if there are pets in the home.
Why it’s important: Dirty, clogged filters are less efficient and may lead to premature wear and tear on your HVAC system. Additionally, your equipment could be damaged if air flow is obstructed.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
We often associate yard work with summertime but, for a variety of reasons, it is important to keep your yard tidy, regardless of the time of year. You might need to bundle up, but make an effort to keep the area around your exterior components free of leaves, dirt, snow, or ice with at least three feet of clearance.
Why it’s important: When debris accumulates around your HVAC’s outdoor unit, it can obstruct airflow, potentially reducing the amount of heated air circulating throughout your home. Not only will this put added strain on your heating system but you might pay for an unnecessary service call thinking your HVAC has stopped working.
Minimize Dust, Dirt and Dander
The more people and animals that are in a home, the more dust, dirt, and dander will accumulate. As you welcome guests over the holidays, keep this in mind. While you’ll already be busy with cooking and decorating, make a real effort to stay on top of cleaning. Ask visitors to remove their shoes at the door, change your furnace filter more frequently, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and be sure to wipe down your registers with a damp cloth every couple days.
Why it’s important: Debris can quickly build up in your air ducts, restricting air flow and reducing the efficiency of your heating system. Additionally, as the weather cools, your furnace will already be working hard; a dirty filter will add to its burden.
Stay On Top of Maintenance
We’ve all got bills to pay, so it’s understandable that we’d be reluctant to add one more expense to our budget. Much like health insurance and a membership to the gym can preventatively protect our health, scheduling regular maintenance visits is important to the longevity of your HVAC system.
Why it’s important: A qualified professional is trained to identify issues before you even notice the problem. By committing to regular service appointments, you may be able to avoid expensive repairs or a full system replacement.
Look For Warning Signs
Repairing or replacing an HVAC system can be a costly endeavor, so it’s understandable that we have a tendency to ignore any signs of a problem, hoping it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, that’s the exact opposite of what we should do. In fact, immediately addressing issues can save you money in the long-run. Here are some things to watch for:
- Unusual noises
- Foul odors
- Weak air flow
- Puddles of water around the indoor units
- Hot and cold spots
- Any sudden changes
Why it’s important: If you notice any of the problems above, reach out for help from a qualified professional right away. Ignoring the warning signs or trying to perform the repairs yourself will likely make things worse — and cost you more money.
Get Peace of Mind
Don’t wait till disaster strikes at the worst time. Make sure your home is ready for the busy holiday season! Our team of NATE-certified HVAC experts will inspect your equipment to ensure everything is in top condition. Contact W.G. Speeks today for your free consultation!
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