Keeping Your HVAC Running This Winter

Indiana winters are known to take a toll on HVAC systems, as it gets very cold towards the end of the year. HVAC systems have to work harder to keep our homes warm the colder it gets. These systems are more likely to get damaged during this time of year if they are not treated with the necessary care and consideration. HVAC systems can even become dangerous if they don’t receive the proper attention. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly replacements and repairs and even prevent fires.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Indiana Winters

HVAC systems can be complicated, but there are certain steps that owners can take to help maintain their systems on their own during the winter. Here are some tips regarding winter HVAC maintenance:

• Replace your air filters: HVAC systems have to use more power and run for longer periods of time when the air filter is dirty. When your system has to work this hard, it can make your electricity bill go up. You should replace your HVAC system’s air filter at the start of the winter and again each month.
• Proper insulation: When a home is well insulated, the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the temperature comfortable. Insulation helps keep a home running as efficiently as possible. An HVAC technician can tell you whether your home is properly insulated.
• Clean your air vents: Keeping the air vents throughout your home clean and free of dust will prevent them from becoming blocked. It will also help keep the temperature in your home comfortable and put less pressure on your HVAC machine. If the vents in your home seem especially dirty, an HVAC service worker can clean the air ducts to remove what has built up in them.
• Cover your air conditioning unit: If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, make sure to keep it covered once you know you will not be using it for the rest of the season. Weather conditions such as snow and ice can damage the system if it’s left exposed for too long.
• Clear the exhaust: It is important to make sure that the exhaust for your HVAC system is clear. Snow can pile up in front of it, which could lead to the unit shutting down and even carbon monoxide coming into your home.
• Check for drafts: Sometimes, the areas around windows and doors can have drafts that let the cold air in and your hot air out. If this is the case, your HVAC unit will have to work overtime to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Repairing these issues can prevent your unit from overworking and extend its longevity.

In addition to checking your HVAC system, it is important to make sure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide sensors in your home. Replacing the batteries in these systems at the beginning of the winter can be a valuable and simple defense against carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

It is important to have your HVAC unit inspected annually, and a professional HVAC technician can do that for you. They can also perform routine maintenance on your machines, which can help spot issues early. An HVAC technician can also provide you with expert advice about lowering your heating costs and making sure you and your family stay comfortable all season long.

Keeping up with annual maintenance can ensure that your HVAC system remains hygienic, affordable, and in working order. Investing in maintenance can help prevent spending a lot of money on preventable repairs later.

Replace Old HVAC Units

Unfortunately, it is an expensive endeavor to replace a home’s HVAC system. However, older systems can be inefficient and much more prone to damage. In some situations, it would be more cost effective to have a new unit installed. An HVAC expert can tell you whether it’s time to consider a replacement. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy has stated that newer HVAC models can save people 20% to 40% on their energy bills.

Let Meyer’s Help

Meyer’s is proud to provide the members of our community with respectful, friendly, and efficient work by our factory-trained service technicians. We have been operating locally since 1951, and we are prepared to handle anything from annual maintenance to installing brand new systems. It is our goal to help our customers find cost-effective solutions to keep their homes a comfortable temperature while saving money. Reach out today at (219) 924-1999 or through our contact form online.