Winterizing your HVAC system in Jacksonville, FL is essential for maintaining a comfortable home during the cooler months. Not only does it enhance comfort, but it also helps save energy and reduce utility bills. While you can handle a few tasks on your own, most of the winterization process should be performed by a professional to ensure everything is done safely and effectively.
Install Draft Guards
Draft guards help prevent cold air from entering your home and warm air from escaping, making them a simple yet effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. By reducing drafts, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard, leading to lower heating costs. Draft guards are typically available at local hardware stores. The best places to install them are at the base of exterior doors and windows.
They come in various materials and styles, including door sweeps, foam seal strips, and heavy fabric stoppers. Foam strips are ideal for windows, while door sweeps are designed for exterior doors. The versatile fabric stoppers can be used for both doors and windows, providing flexible protection against drafts.
Bleed Radiators
If your home is heated by radiators, it’s important to have a professional bleed them periodically. Over time, air can become trapped inside them, which reduces their ability to heat efficiently because air pockets prevent hot water from circulating properly. When a radiator has trapped air, it often feels cool at the top while the bottom remains warm. A professional will use a radiator key to open the valve at the top of the radiator, allowing the trapped air to escape until water flows the way it should. This process restores circulation, ensuring the entire radiator heats evenly and efficiently, increasing the overall performance of your heating system.
Test Your Thermostat
Before winter arrives, ensuring your thermostat is working properly is essential. A faulty thermostat can cause your heating system to run inefficiently, leading to uneven temperatures and higher energy bills.
Start by verifying that your thermostat is accurately measuring the indoor temperature. To do this, tape a reliable thermometer to the wall next to your thermostat. Wait about 15 minutes, and then, compare the two readings. If there is a significant difference between them, you will need to contact a professional to recalibrate your thermostat. They can also check its wiring to ensure it signals your heating system to turn on and off when it should.
Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat if you still have a manual one. These advanced options allow you to set temperature adjustments based on your family’s schedule. This automation reduces energy consumption without compromising comfort, especially when everyone is at work, school, or asleep. The Department of Energy suggests that properly setting your thermostat can save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling costs, making it a simple but effective way to improve energy efficiency.
Clean Your Return and Supply Vents
Dirty air vents block proper airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to heat your home. This increased strain leads to higher energy costs and can even cause the system to overheat, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Remove your return and supply vent covers with a screwdriver to clean them. You can wash them with dish soap and hot water; a stiff bristle brush is helpful for getting off stubborn grime. While they are drying, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris in the vent up to where your ductwork begins.
After you replace the vent covers, ensure they are in the fully open position. Also, make sure that there are no household items, such as area rugs, curtains, or furniture blocking the vents. They need at least 12 inches of clearance around them to ensure proper airflow and prevent strain on your heating system.
Replace Air Filters
Your heating system’s air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your heater and causing damage to its internal components. It also plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate throughout your home. However, when they become clogged, they cause many issues, including making your system work harder to keep your home comfortable.
It’s a good idea to start the heating season with a fresh air filter and have extras on hand. Experts recommend replacing your filter at least every 90 days. However, you may need to replace yours more often based on how much your system runs, the number of people in your household, and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their HVAC system’s air filter once a month to ensure they know when to switch them out.
When purchasing air filters, take a moment to ensure you’re using the right type for your home. Pleated filters are highly effective for homes with pets or high dust levels, as they capture more particles than basic ones. Filters with a higher MERV rating (minimum efficiency reporting value) are ideal for homes with family members with respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma. They can capture smaller airborne pollutants like pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites. Keep in mind that these high-efficiency filters create more air resistance, so it’s important to confirm that they are compatible with your HVAC system. Fiberglass filters, while less effective at trapping smaller particles, work well in homes with minimal air quality concerns and offer less airflow restriction.
Seal Ductwork Leaks
The air ducts in your home must remain airtight to maintain a comfortable temperature during the winter. When ductwork develops gaps, warm air can escape. Cold air and dirt from your attic or crawlspaces can also enter the ducts through faults.
To address these issues, an HVAC professional will first conduct a thorough inspection, often using a pressure test. This test involves sealing off the ducts and measuring the pressure inside; any significant pressure drop indicates a leak. Once identified, the expert can effectively seal gaps with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape. They will also replace any broken or damaged sections. According to the Department of Energy, sealing ducts can reduce conditioned air loss by up to 20%, significantly improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
One of the most important steps for getting your home ready for winter is to schedule annual heating system maintenance. Regular maintenance is crucial because it helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during the cold months. In addition, it can extend the lifespan of your equipment and significantly reduce energy costs by ensuring that all your system’s components function optimally.
Contact Your Local Professionals
At Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we have served the residents of Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding areas since 2010. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we can clean and seal your ductwork and help with all your indoor air quality needs. As your one-stop home care provider, we also provide plumbing services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable team members.
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