Winter HVAC Checklist: Five To-Do’s for Charleston, SC
The start of a new year prompts many people to give their homes special attention. Holiday decorations are packed away, surfaces are given a fresh dusting and floors are polished. For some, the organizing and decluttering process is also underway. Room by room and closet by closet, items are sorted and space is cleared as the donation pile grows. In your efforts to reset and refresh your home, remember your HVAC system will benefit from some care as well. Perhaps fall maintenance got away from you, or you feel your system is not running as efficiently as it used to; in today’s post, we’re sharing five winter HVAC to-do’s.
1. Review Your HVAC Maintenance Schedule
1. Review Your HVAC Maintenance Schedule
Many homeowners plan for HVAC system maintenance in the fall and spring. If your fall was especially hectic or this time-sensitive to-do slipped your mind, reach out to your trusted HVAC provider to explore your options. At East Cooper Heating & Air, our technicians are NATE and ENERGY STAR® certified, delivering professional heating and air conditioning services to our community. Semi-annual maintenance from our team includes:
- A system’s operation check and thermostat calibration
- Review of safety controls, electrical components, connections and more
- Alignment of mechanisms (such as belts and blowers)
- Airflow and heating cycle check
- Combustion air check
- Cleaning of air filters, condensate drains, blower components, furnace burner and furnace ignition assembly
- Inspection of gas piping and lubrication of furnace parts
- Adjustments to pilot and gas pressure (as needed)
- Application of protective coating
- And more
2. Replace Filters
In the same way you are giving your home a deep clean, your air filters could likely use a swap out. Check your system recommendations to be sure, but replacing fiberglass filters once a month is generally a safe bet. Pleated air filters need changing less often (usually every 3-6 months, but check manufacturer’s recommendations). Mark your calendar moving forward or set a digital reminder on your phone so this small task is incorporated into your routine. Remember, clogged filters are linked to system complications and failures.
3. Check for Debris
Lawn care is not always as much of a priority in the winter months, but surveying your property and removing any debris that has accumulated around your HVAC system is important. Shrubbery should be 2’ or more away from your unit and trimmed regularly. Rake away leaves and remove any weeds that may have popped up.
4. Inspect Air Seals in Your Home
With temperatures fluctuating in the winter months, you’ll want to make your way through your home to inspect air seals on windows, doors and elsewhere. Energy.gov provides an illustration with many common air seals in a home (it goes well beyond windows and doors). Broken seals make your home less energy efficient and can lead to higher energy bills. Ample insulation can reduce your energy bill and may help increase your home’s resale value. Check the U.S. Department of Energy’s website for insulation recommendations by zone (South Carolina is in Zone 3).
5. Study Your Nest Home Report or Energy Bill
If you made the upgrade to a Nest Thermostat, take advantage of its many features! We recommend spending a few minutes each month studying your Home Report. The energy summary, month-to-month comparison, leaves earned and safety summary may be of special interest. Note your Eco Temperature settings and any manual adjustments you made.
We’re Here to Help
Do you have questions about your HVAC in Charleston, SC during the winter months? We would love to walk you through your options. The East Cooper Heating & Air team is committed to its employees, customers and communities. We are taking proper measures to ensure the safety of our team members and our customers. Let’s work together to keep you and your family comfortable. Contact us today to get started; give us a call at (843) 375-6592 or fill out our online request form.
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