Winter HVAC Maintenance for Optimal Heating Performance

Fall has some great benefits:

• Football season
• The leaves change
• Relief from the summer heat
• The beginning of the holiday season

At some point, expect to turn the furnace on, switching from cooling to heating season.

A change in season can also be a call to action, with plenty of energy to complete necessary tasks for future needs. It is an excellent time to accomplish these activities to prepare your furnace for the winter cold; these tasks also support energy efficiency and system longevity.

1 Purchase Air Filter Supplies

Many home improvement stores are packaging HVAC air filters to encourage homeowners to purchase a year’s supply. HVAC air filters collect dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants with every cooling and heating cycle. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow and makes the system work harder; the filter needs to be changed at least quarterly, so purchase four filters and prepare for 2025.

2 Schedule HVAC Maintenance

HVAC systems need regular HVAC maintenance to ensure they perform well and efficiently keep occupants comfortable. Fall is a slow time for residential HVAC systems since the temperatures are mild and the home may require neither air conditioner nor furnace for a few days in a row. This often means technicians have more time to complete HVAC maintenance tasks. System HVAC maintenance includes:

• Cleaning parts indoors and out, since the collection of dust and debris hamper the transfer of heat that is so vital to comfort.
• Test refrigerant gas pressure, since heat pump systems use the same gas for heating as is used for air conditioning.
• Test electrical switches, sensors, and control mechanisms; certain components can weaken with wear and use, making the entire system work harder.
• An annual inspection of a natural gas burner assembly and heat exchanger is vital to protect the home from the potential of fire and asphyxiation.

These tasks and others reduce the risk of a furnace breakdown on an extremely cold night, a most uncomfortable and inconvenient event.

3 Create A Safe Space

The combustion of natural gas in a furnace reaches about 3500⁰ F. The elements of residential electric furnaces reach about 1100⁰ F. These temperatures are no joke, and a central heat/air closet should not be used for storage. This is a good time to inspect the area around the furnace to remove flammable objects and sweep away cobwebs and dust bunnies since they are flammable.

Furnace closets should be designed with adequate space for technicians to inspect, service, and replace the central air/furnace cabinet. Ideally, there will be 30” of space on every side of the cabinet. This is a good proposal for storage anywhere close to a furnace.

4 Prepare Fireplaces or Stoves

Homes enhanced with fireplaces or wood burning/pellet stoves should be prepared before beginning to use them. Wood fires burn at temperatures between 600⁰ and 1100⁰ and the blaze is in proximity to many flammable materials. Clean away any clutter. Do not store items near the fireplace or stove. Cover the open with a glass door. Do not leave fireplaces unattended. Sweep the creosote and soot from the chimney to avoid chimney fires regularly.

5 Schedule a Daytime First Burn

Plan to turn the furnace, fireplace, or woodstove on during the day, even if it is for a short period. If something goes wrong, someone will be awake and around to notice and call for professional help. If the burner sets off the smoke alarm, someone will be awake to handle the alarm.

Winter HVAC Maintenance: Time to Call In the Experts at AirPro Houston

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC repair questions.

We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC repair needs.