To keep warm and cozy this winter in Springboro, OH, you’ll need to get your heating system in good working order. Efficient heating is more than just a mere luxury; it is an absolute necessity due to the freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall that characterize this part of the country. Fortunately, you can improve your heating system’s performance, keep warm all winter long, and save money on maintenance if you act now.
What Climate Factors Affect Heating in Springboro?
Cold, frequently subfreezing winters are typical in Springboro due to the humid continental climate. When experiencing these weather elements, you may find that your furnace runs more than usual. This makes it very important to ensure you have an efficient furnace. The more efficient it is, the less energy it uses to heat your home, which lowers your energy bills and puts less wear and tear on the heater.
Seal Those Drafts: Weatherproof Your Home First
Weatherproofing your home before winter is one of the smartest moves you can make to improve your heating system’s performance. If your heating system isn’t efficient because of air drafts, it will have to work harder, which means higher energy costs. To avoid letting the cold air in, you need to make sure there are no cracks or holes around the windows and doors. An expert can seal these places with weatherstripping or caulk to keep your home airtight. They can also check for and seal any cracks around pipes and electrical outlets, further boosting your home’s heating efficiency by reducing air drafts.
Swap Out the Filters for a Fresh Start
Restricted airflow due to a clogged filter can make your system work harder and less efficiently. Not only does keeping the filter clean help reduce air resistance, but it also helps improve indoor air quality. However, not all filters are created equal. A filter’s MERV rating can help you make the best choice. This rating indicates how well the filter can capture small particles. The higher the number, the better it is for cleaning the air. Most residential systems can handle a MERV 13.
A HEPA filter is equivalent to a MERV 17 or higher. However, they can cause too much strain on systems that aren’t compatible with them. This makes it very important to have an expert tell you whether or not your system can work with this type of filter. If it can’t, there are still other filter options that you can use to boost indoor air quality. We offer whole-home air purification systems that can greatly improve your indoor air quality.
Inspect Your Thermostat for Peak Efficiency
Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home is primarily the responsibility of your thermostat. This is why you need to test the thermostat before winter arrives. You can do this by ensuring that the temperature is right and that it responds properly. Calibrating the thermostat is part of some of our maintenance plans.
Test Your Furnace Before the Cold Snap Hits
Testing your furnace before winter can ensure it will work properly when cold weather hits. An expert will test your furnace during each maintenance session. They start by turning on the furnace and letting it run for a bit. This will help detect any strange sounds, smells, or problems with its functionality. Then, they’ll verify that there are no problems with the gas burners or ignition system and that your home heats uniformly.
Give Your Ducts a Deep Clean
Our duct cleaning service removes debris and restores peak performance in your home’s air ducts. Dirty air ducts lead to poor indoor air quality and reduce your heating system’s efficiency. Accumulated dust and debris in the ducts constrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder than necessary. Clean ducts increase airflow and boost system performance by removing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Check for Leaks and Gaps in Your Vent System
Your heating system will perform more efficiently and keep your home at a constant temperature with well-sealed vents and ducts. We can help you accomplish this goal by checking the ducts and vents for obvious holes or leaks that could allow hot air to escape. If they find any gaps, they’ll seal them and make sure all connections are secure using duct sealant or tape. We also offer duct repair and replacement for significantly compromised ductwork.
Lubricate All Moving Parts for Smooth Operation
Lubrication is essential for properly functioning heating systems because of the numerous moving components, including motors, fans, and bearings. As time passes, these components can dry out and generate friction, reducing heating efficiency and increasing the likelihood of problems. To make sure everything works smoothly and efficiently, we lubricate all the moving parts during a maintenance visit.
Clear the Area Around Your Furnace for Better Airflow
Clear the space around your furnace, taking anything that could obstruct it or its vents, including boxes, furniture, and clutter, and putting them to the side. Ensuring there’s enough space around the furnace and vents ensures the air can circulate freely, keeping the HVAC system from getting too hot.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat for Winter Savings
Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if your current one is old. Our technicians can explain your thermostat options and help you pick the best type. Many of today’s smart thermostats have sophisticated capabilities like remote management, geo-fencing, scheduling, and adaptive learning. When using one of these devices, timers, routine-based temperature adjustments, and energy-saving settings can help reduce energy use and heating costs.
Some models can provide energy-use reports. This can help you make educated decisions to lower your heating costs and increase the HVAC’s efficiency. In addition to providing comprehensive information about your usage, these devices can recommend settings that work best for you based on your temperature patterns. For instance, a smart thermostat can learn your habits and routines to automatically lower the heat while you’re sleeping or at work and raise it right before you get home or wake up. This way, it can keep you comfortable while reducing energy waste.
When to Schedule Maintenance Visits
Schedule a tune-up and inspection with a professional in the fall before the weather becomes too cold. A maintenance visit before the season begins allows us to fix any faults before they become major concerns. Regular maintenance for your heating system can extend the furnace’s lifespan and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. It also ensures optimal performance to keep your home cozy.
Universal Heating & Cooling is here to help prepare your heating system for winter in Springboro. We provide a range of services to keep you comfortable all year, including air conditioner and furnace installation, repair, and maintenance. We also offer duct cleaning and sealing, attic insulation, UV light air purification, and more. Call us now to schedule heating maintenance for your home in Springboro.
