The cooler weather is welcome when the summer has been long and sweltering. Residents of Deer Park might even put off switching on the heat to enjoy the breath of fresh air for just a little while, pull on a sweater, maybe enjoy a fire, but turn off the hard-working air conditioner for the season.
Before switching on the heat, a few steps must be followed to ensure the heat is functional for the winter. It should actually be tested while the temperatures are still warm. This way, if there are any problems, your trusted HVAC specialist can make the necessary repairs before the heat is in dire need.
All heating and cooling in Deer Park will need to be appropriately tuned up before winter, with the air conditioning cleaned, defects corrected, worn and broken parts replaced, and an inspection completed before it’s ready to go again in the spring.
The heating will have the same preventive maintenance, but a more thorough prep will be done to ensure it’s adequately functional for the long winter season. Let’s check out a few tips and helpful suggestions when switching from air conditioning to heating.
Tips on Switching from Air Conditioning to Heating
Before switching the air conditioner straight over to heating, some residents in Deer Park might want to enjoy the fresh, cool air after what was an unusually warm summer. Still, before it gets too cool, it’s vital to get the two systems serviced, especially the heating, to test their functionality so it’s ready to go.
The heating and cooling specialist will clean the systems, make a thorough inspection, change out worn or broken parts, repair any defects before these turn into significant repairs, and test the heating to ensure the greatest functionality.
Learn heating and cooling tips at https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating_cooling.
What are some considerations when getting ready to switch from cooling to heating? Let’s look at the steps you should take.
· Change out the air filters
The furnace will need to work much harder with a clogged filter. These collect the dirt, grime, and particles from the air to keep it fresh and clean for quality air and comfortability in the home.
The system becomes less efficient when it becomes clogged, causing it to work harder with more significant energy usage, meaning higher utility costs. Plus, the air quality diminishes. Depending on your location, the recommendation is to change it as often as every 30 days.
· The furnace should be cleaned
Before cleaning the equipment, the power should be shut off to the system, and the panels must be removed. A vacuum will be used with a brush attachment to remove any loose debris or dust inside the compartment.
The blower blades and motor should be washed down with soapy water and then rinsed with clear, clean follow-up. When washing down the exterior, you’ll simply need a damp, soft cloth.
· A fall tune-up or preventive maintenance is necessary before winter usage
While the temperatures are still warm, it’s wise to schedule a furnace tune-up to test the system for functionality before it’s time to turn the system on for the winter. The technician will ensure that the heating system is ready to withstand a harsh winter without the potential for malfunctioning or breakdowns.
With preventive maintenance, the specialist will check for defects and make necessary repairs. Worn or broken parts will be replaced, followed by a thorough inspection with adequate testing of each component, including the thermostat. The entire heating system will be cleaned with the air filter changed.
When all is said and done, the furnace will be prepared for use for the winter season with minimal likelihood of problems.
· The house should be winterized for energy efficiency
In order to help with energy efficiency, the home should be winterized so the furnace doesn’t try to work harder than it needs to. That means sealing around windows and doors with caulk. Air leakage is a primary factor when utility costs soar.
The furnace tries to accommodate drafty homes, working exceptionally hard while the air coming into the home battles against it. Other areas where you can make improvements include adding better insulation in the attic and sealing the basement walls.
Another step towards efficiency is changing out the manual thermostat in favor of an updated programmable option. You can then set the thermostat for varied temperatures at different times throughout the day. It allows climate control from anywhere at any time. Go here for advice on energy savings.
Final Thought
Before the temperatures in Deer Park begin to get too cool, it’s vital to have the heating system in your home tested to ensure it’s functional and free of defects. An end-of-summer tune-up will help prepare the house for a long, warm winter season.
