The weather in Ontario can get quite cold, forcing residents to turn up the heat inside to stay comfortable and cozy. As with any other equipment or appliances in your home, your HVAC system can experience wear and tear. By having our team perform routine maintenance, we can ensure that your heating system remains efficient and reliable all winter long. Let’s look at some winter HVAC tips for homeowners.
Change Your Filter Regularly
The filter in your HVAC system should be changed once every 30 to 90 days. Basic fiberglass or pleated filters tend to not last as long as higher-end versions. There are also washable filters that don’t need to be replaced. You simply remove them, wash them, and let them dry completely before they are put back in place.
If you allow your filter to become very dirty, particulates can end up accumulating on the interior components of your heating equipment and ductwork. This can result in poor indoor air quality but also strain on your HVAC system.
Schedule a Duct Cleaning and Inspection
Ductwork doesn’t need to be serviced quite as often as the other parts of your HVAC system. We recommend that you schedule an inspection and cleaning of your ducting every three to five years. Some homeowners stick to a more frequent schedule, especially if anyone in the home suffers from allergies.
We check your ductwork for any signs of damage. If there are gaps or cracks in your ducting, this can allow conditioned air to escape. Your HVAC system will need to work overtime to keep your home comfortable throughout the winter. This leads to an increase in energy bills and can cause damage to your heating equipment.
Keep Up With Routine HVAC Maintenance
At least once per year you should have someone from our team come out to your home to inspect and provide maintenance for your HVAC equipment. This includes checking electrical components, tightening any connections that are loose, cleaning interior components that are caked with dust, and completing minor repairs.
Don’t assume that skipping maintenance appointments is going to save you money. In reality, you’ll usually spend more on necessary repairs over the life of your equipment compared to what you would pay for preventive maintenance.
Make Thermostat Adjustments
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, consider inputting a heating schedule that will maintain indoor comfort while boosting system efficiency. If you’re away from home during the day, have your indoor temperature drop a few degrees to minimize runtime. The temperature can go back up in anticipation of your arrival. You can adjust and monitor your HVAC system remotely using a smart thermostat paired with your phone or tablet. This is especially helpful if you’re going on vacation for an extended period. Some smart thermostats even alert you when it’s time to schedule routine maintenance or change your filter.
Monitor the Performance of Your System
The amount of energy that your HVAC system consumes each winter should remain relatively consistent. If you notice a sudden spike in usage, there may be a problem with your HVAC system that requires repair. It’s essential that you spot problems early on before problems can escalate and shut down your heat entirely.
Keep Vents and Registers Clean and Open
All the vents and registers in your home should be open to promote adequate airflow throughout the house. This promotes consistent temperatures and protects your heating equipment. Make sure there isn’t anything blocking your vents, and consider wiping them down periodically to promote healthy indoor air quality. You can also invest in smart vents, which automatically open and close to accommodate your heating and cooling needs.
Reach out to our team here at Montgomery Industrial Services if you would like to learn more about the benefits of HVAC maintenance for your Wingham or Hanover home in Ontario. We also offer heating and cooling repair and installation, heat pump service, and mini-split air conditioning. Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, camera inspections, water heater service, water treatment equipment, and sump pump assistance. We provide electrical services including wiring, breaker panel expansion, surge protection, generators, lighting, and EV charging.
Contact Montgomery Industrial Services for expert HVAC maintenance in Ontario today.
