The winter season is an important time for your HVAC. As the temperature drops, your heating system gears to keep your home warm and comfortable. This time of year, heat isn’t just cozy, it’s also essential for your safety and wellbeing. That means breakdowns become emergencies. Fortunately, you can prevent this type of disaster with a little preventive maintenance. We can assist you in creating a simple winter HVAC checklist for your heating system, ensuring it remains reliable and comfortable throughout the winter months.

1. Schedule a Professional Heater Tune-Up

Get your heater ready for the winter with a professional tune-up. We will clean the unit, attend to any worn parts, and recalibrate to ensure accurate temperatures. This process improves your HVAC’s efficiency and lifespan while identifying potential issues before they become a disaster or costly repair.

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters

Keep your HVAC air filters clean. A clogged or dirty air filter will restrict airflow, which makes your HVAC work harder. This reduces both energy and air efficiency and can release unwanted particles into your system. Clean filters lead to clean air quality, which is especially important in the winter. Check your filters every 30 days and replace them every one to three months as needed.

3. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Clean and well-sealed ducts provide the most efficient delivery of warm air through the home. Damaged or uninsulated ducts lead to heat loss, resulting in more work for your heating system. If you want even and efficient warm temperatures, have your ducts inspected for gaps, holes, loose connections, or poor insulation.

4. Test Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is the crux of proper HVAC functioning. Test your thermostat to ensure it reads the correct temperature and recalibrate if necessary. Make sure the thermostat triggers at the right times and responds to controls. Consider upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat, like the one included with our Platinum Series Heat Pump, for added convenience and energy savings.

5. Check and Clear Vents and Registers

Go through your house and unblock any vents in the vents system. Inspect every vent to ensure it is clear of lint, not blocked by furniture or rugs, and provides clear airflow. Unimpeded airflow helps your HVAC system run with optimal efficiency for even heat distribution and no cold spots.

6. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Heat pumps use the outdoor unit for both heating and cooling. If your home has a heat pump, make sure that the outdoor unit is free of debris such as leaves, dirt, or snow. This ensures the efficient operation of your heat pump compressor and will prevent the risk of overheating. Use a soft brush or, in mild weather, a hose to help your outdoor unit stay clear. You can also adapt landscaping elements to protect the unit.

7. Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Gas furnaces are a common and efficient way to heat homes, but they come with certain safety precautions. Whether your furnace is an older model with a pilot light or a modern system with electronic ignition, it’s essential to have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors installed. Place them near sleeping areas and closer to the ground where CO tends to settle. Test your detectors monthly, replace the batteries regularly during the winter, and ensure your furnace receives annual professional maintenance to check for leaks or other issues. Proper ventilation is also critical to prevent gas buildup, so have a technician verify that your system is venting correctly. These precautions help ensure your home stays warm and safe all season long.

8. Ensure Proper Insulation

A well-insulated home retains heat more efficiently and will maintain a more consistent temperature. Inspect your home’s insulation, particularly in the attic. Check the weather stripping around windows and doors and caulk loose windowpanes. Hang winter curtains as well to prevent drafts and maximize energy efficiency.

9. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

Even with great maintenance, there is a chance your heating could go out in the winter. If that happens, you’ll want emergency numbers on hand to get the heat back on as soon as possible. Capital City Comfort Solutions is here to assist with emergency repairs or maintenance whenever you need us.

10. Join a Maintenance Program

One of the best ways to ensure all your seasonal HVAC maintenance is taken care of is to join a maintenance program like Capital City Comfort Solutions’ membership plan. We will ensure you enjoy priority service, regular tune-ups, discounted rates, and peace of mind all year.

Stay Warm and Worry-Free This Winter

Early maintenance is key to a worry-free winter with steady, reliable heat. This winter HVAC checklist will help ensure your heating system runs efficiently and keeps your home cozy all season.

Capital City Comfort Solutions is here to help you prepare for winter and keep your HVAC system in top shape year-round. Contact us to schedule your tune-up or learn more about our HVAC winter checklist maintenance programs. Have a warm and comfortable winter.