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Indiana residents are all too familiar with frigid winters. During those months, HVAC systems work harder to keep homes warm and families comfortable. Because of the increased workload put on HVAC systems during this period, these systems are more likely to become damaged and potentially break down.  

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to provide you with winter HVAC tips to better prevent that from happening. Just follow the tips below to ensure a functional HVAC system all winter long.

Why is Preventative HVAC Maintenance Important?

Preventive HVAC maintenance is important because it keeps your HVAC system in good working order. Benefits as a result of preventive maintenance not only includes comfort, it also reduces the need for costly repairs and lowers your energy bills. saving you money and conserving energy. With the possibility of a system breakdown during the winter, preventative maintenance goes a long way to help mitigate that possibility. 

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Indiana Winters

To keep your Indiana HVAC system better prepared for the winter, start by putting these tips into practice: 

1. Clear all registers and vents.  Start by making sure all registers and vents in your home are clean and free of obstructions. Furniture and rugs often cover or block these vents. Blocked or clogged air vents prevent air from circulating properly throughout your home. Thus, making it harder to warm your home. 
2. Replace your air filter. Harsh winters or not, clean air filters are a key component of a functioning HVAC system. Because of the increased workload on your HVAC system during the winter, air filters become dirty and clogged at a faster rate. If your air filters are reusable, you should regularly inspect them to make sure they are clean. For non-reusable air filters, change them monthly for optimal HVAC performance. 
3. Set your thermostat for energy efficiency. To boost the energy efficiency of your home, setting your thermostat for certain situations is a great way to do that. Some suggestions include not putting your thermostat above 70 degrees while you’re home and keeping the temperature between 60 and 62 degrees while you’re sleeping. Also, avoid overriding your thermostat’s pre-programmed settings and resort to a blanket instead of adjusting the temperature. 
4. Seal ductwork. Sealing your home’s ductwork prevents large amounts of wasted energy. You’re going to need the best performance out of your HVAC system during the winter. That’s why sealing your home’s ductwork is helpful. 
5. Listen for any strange noises. The presence of new and unpleasant sounds or smells coming from your HVAC system is never a good sign. This often indicates your HVAC system is struggling to fulfill its duties. This normally means the furnace is dirty or in need of repairs. 
6. Test the thermostat & heating unit. About a month before the winter season comes around, test your thermostat and heating unit. Cycle through the thermostat’s functions and make sure it’s responding correctly and set the heat to a specific temperature to make sure heating isn’t an issue. This will give you an idea of the current state of these components and if any repairs are needed before winter comes around. 
7. Ensure your home is properly insulated. One of the biggest factors to help keep your home comfortable during the winter months is insulation. Insulation can help prevent the loss of heat and keep it within your home, maintaining desired temperatures and increasing energy efficiency. Make sure areas like the attic, roof, and gaps around doors and windows are properly insulated. These areas in particular are the main culprits of lost heat. 
8. Schedule an HVAC system inspection. Get in the habit of scheduling an annual HVAC inspection in the fall. Scheduling one in the fall helps mitigate the possibility of a system breakdown during the coldest months of the year. These inspections also keep your system in working order and help diagnose possible issues as they arise. 

Importance of a Pre-Winter Furnace Tune-Up

A pre-winter furnace tune-up is important for these reasons: 

Decrease Risk of Breakdowns

Scheduling a tune-up for your furnace in the fall helps decrease the risk of a breakdown. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night only to realize their home is an icebox. 

Lower Your Energy Bills

A furnace tune-up in the fall makes sure it’s clean, oiled, and ready to deliver the best results. In turn, lowering energy bills without sacrificing comfort. 

Boost Indoor Air Quality

Winter happens to be a season with heightened chances for carbon monoxide poisoning. Neglected furnaces are often the cause. Furnace tune-ups check for gas leaks, assess CO levels, and take other steps to boost the indoor air quality of your home. A win-win situation across the board. 

Extend the Life of Your Furnace

Furnaces commonly last in between the 10 to 15-year range. But, furnaces that aren’t given the proper maintenance often fail sooner. Routine maintenance brings about reliable performance, no matter the season. On top of that, adding years to your system’s lifespan. 

Reduce Your Repair Costs

Tune-ups catch developing problems early, giving attention to issues before they can lead to mid-season breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular maintenance is a much more affordable option compared to repairs that will make a serious dent in your wallet. 

Prepare Your Home with Our Winter HVAC Maintenance Service

Better prepare your home with our comprehensive winter HVAC maintenance services. Whether you need heating, furnace, or heat pump maintenance services, our expert technicians are ready to help today in areas surrounding Indianapolis like Carmel, Fishers, Lebanon, Pittsboro, and more.