Although
the cold weather is already here, it’s not too late for you to make
sure your home is ready for the winter. You shouldn’t have to worry
about the cold once you set foot inside of your home. Check out the
following suggestions for improving your home’s heating and
cooling.
Evaluate Your Thermostat
Check
your thermostat turn it up a few digits to ensure that it comes on
properly. If you’ve got a programmable one, make sure that it has
the right settings stored. If there are problems with your thermostat
not functioning properly, you should contact your localheating and cooling service for
assistance. Don’t put off getting it repaired or replaced. A
thermostat that malfunctions during the winter will be harder to
control during the warmer months when you’re trying to cool down.
Purchase Extra Furnace Filters for Use
Invest
in extra furnace filters. During the colder months, you should
replace them a little more frequently than you normally would. On
average, replacing your furnace filter every two months or more if
you happen to have the heat on all the time is ideal. It is important
for you to get in the habit of replacing your furnace filter often to
improve airflow, efficiency and to prevent a bunch of dust and air
pollutant from circulating throughout your home.
Remove Screen Doors and Windows
If
you haven’t touched your windows and doors except to open and shut
them since the fall, now is a good time for you to remove the screens
out of them. If possible, you should install storm doors and screens
to prevent drafts. You can always replace your screens in the spring
or summer when it is more practical for them to be in use.
Take Care of the Chimney
If
you’ve got a chimney in your home, now is as good of a time than
ever for you to get it professionally cleaned. A dirty and clogged
chimney is a huge fire risk that can literally send your home up in
smoke. There should be no more than a 1/8-inch buildup of creosote or
soot. If you see more, hire a professional chimney sweep right away.
You
should also inspect the flue damper. They should be fully functional
with no sticking parts. If it doesn’t close and seal properly, you
should not use your fireplace and chimney until after it has been
professionally serviced.
Inspect and Lubricate Your Furnace Blower
Check
the blower on your furnace. You may need to follow the instructions
in the manufacturer’s book. If the blower is not kept lubricated,
it won’t be able to redistribute heated air throughout your home.
This could lead to many problems and major repair issues. You should
oil your furnace blower at least once a year and have
it professionallyinspected several
times a year to ensure proper operations.
Check Heating and Cooling Vents for Blockages
Throughout
the year, you may move your furniture around your home to change its
look. You may have also accidentally covered some of your home’s
heating and cooling vents in the process. Blocked heating and cooling
vents can make it hard for you to get your home to a comfortable
temperature and keep it there. It can also put a strain on your
heating and cooling appliance, making it harder for them to function
normally.
In
addition to making the above suggestions, you should hire your local
heating and cooling company to come out and inspect your home’s
ductwork. Ducts that are not properly sealed can create a myriad of
issues that can drive your energy costs up and make it hard for you
and your family to live comfortable inside of your home during any
season.
No
matter what your heating, cooling, and ventilation issues are, the
experts at A&MMechanical Services are
who you should call. Dial 615-649-8579 at
your earliest convenience to discuss your needs.