Winters in Schaumburg are known for being cold, snowy, and windy, with average temperatures often dropping well below freezing. This means your heating system has to work overtime to keep your home comfortable. To ensure your system is up to the task, we recommend prioritizing HVAC winter maintenance. Aside from preparing your system to heat your home, these maintenance tips will also help you prevent costly emergency repairs and minimize your heating bills.
Ready to protect your home and wallet this season? Follow these essential tips.
Change or Clean Your Air Filter
Changing or cleaning your air filter is the first thing you should do to prepare your HVAC system for winter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which forces your furnace to work harder, overheat, or even shut down completely.
By swapping out a dirty filter for a clean one, you improve your home’s indoor air quality and ensure your system runs efficiently. During the winter months, when you’re heavily using your system, we recommend checking your filter once a month.
Seal Drafts and Insulate
Your heating system works best when the warm air it produces actually stays inside your house. Before the worst of the cold arrives, inspect your home for air leaks that could sabotage your heating efforts. Check for gaps around windows and doors, sealing them with weather stripping or caulk where necessary.
It is also wise to inspect visible ductwork for leaks. Sealing these ensures you aren’t paying to heat your attic or crawlspace instead of your living room.
Manage Your Airflow and Vents
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that closing vents in unused rooms saves money. However, this actually causes pressure imbalances that strain the system.
For optimal airflow, ensure all supply and return vents are open and free of obstructions like furniture, curtains, or thick rugs. Additionally, you must clear any clutter within 30 inches of your furnace unit. This is a vital safety step to prevent fire hazards and ensure your system has enough air to “breathe.”
Optimize Thermostat Settings
Proper thermostat management is a key component of efficient home heating. Avoid drastic temperature swings, as they cause your furnace to run longer and work harder to recover lost heat.
Instead, try to maintain a consistent temperature or program your thermostat to lower the heat slightly while you are asleep or away. If you haven’t already, consider an upgrade to a smart thermostat. This will grant you precise temperature control and significant energy savings throughout the winter.
Protect Your Outdoor Unit
While your furnace is the star of the show in winter, you shouldn’t neglect your AC condenser sitting outside. To protect it from the elements, clear away any leaves, branches, or debris that have gathered around the unit.
Conduct a Safety Check
Before heavy usage begins, you must ensure your home’s safety features are fully operational. This includes testing all carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they have fresh batteries and are functioning correctly.
You should also inspect the furnace flue to ensure it is clear of bird nests or debris, and listen for any unusual banging or rattling noises when the system starts up. If you smell gas or hear strange sounds, shut the system down and call a professional immediately.
Schedule Professional HVAC Winter Maintenance
While the steps above are helpful, they cannot replace a comprehensive inspection by a certified professional. Scheduling professional winter HVAC maintenance ensures that complex components are tested safely.
During a professional tune-up, technicians will also deep clean the interior furnace cabinet and blower, removing dust that average homeowners cannot reach. This service catches small issues before they become expensive breakdowns, validates your manufacturer’s warranty, and maximizes the lifespan of your equipment.
Learn more about heating maintenance at Residential Heating and Cooling.
Ready for Winter?
Don’t wait for the first freeze to check your system. Learning how to prepare your furnace now is an investment in your comfort and safety.
Call Residential Heating and Cooling today at (847) 637-5331 to schedule your winter furnace tune-up!
612 Albion Ave.
