Key Takeaways:
- It’s important to schedule a maintenance check with your HVAC technician before changing your system from cooling to heating.
- You should replace the air filters in your HVAC system at the start of the fall season.
- Vacuum heat registers can become clogged with dust and debris, reducing efficiency and posing a fire hazard.
- Check & clean or replace your furnace filter regularly.
- Inspecting for ductwork leaks is crucial in preparing your HVAC system for colder months – hire a professional if needed!
As the weather starts to cool down, homes across the country are switching from air conditioning to heating. When the cold wind blows & the leaves fall, you know that it’s time to start thinking about switching your HVAC system from cooling to heating. But before you do, you need to take a few important steps to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any problems down the road.
Read: All About Heating and Cooling
1. Schedule A Maintenance Check with Your HVAC Technician
When planning to switch your HVAC from cooling to heating, it’s important to schedule a maintenance check with your HVAC technician. This is because the systems used for cooling and heating are different, and each requires its own set of care and maintenance tasks. Failing to maintain your HVAC system properly before switching can lead to various problems, including decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and even complete system failure.
By having a professional technician inspect and service your HVAC system regularly, you can help ensure that it runs smoothly and effectively all year.
2. Change Your Air Filters
Changing your air filters is an important step in preparing your home for the transition from cooling to heating. During the summer months, air conditioners work hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. As a result, air filters can become clogged with dust and pollen, reducing airflow and making it harder for your AC unit to do its job.
By changing your air filters at the start of the fall season, you can help ensure that your heater will be able to operate at peak efficiency. In addition, fresh air filters can improve indoor air quality by trapping pollutants and allergens. So don’t wait until the first cold snap hits.
3. Vacuum Heat Register
Vacuum heat registers are located on the floor, and their purpose is to circulate heat from your furnace through the rest of your house. However, over time, they can become clogged with dust and debris. Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your furnace, but it can also be a fire hazard.
To clean your vacuum heat registers, remove them from their housing and vacuum them out with a soft brush attachment. Then, replace them and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is prepared for the cooler months ahead.
4. Check Your Furnace Filter
Your furnace filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other particles that could clog your furnace. Over time, these filters can become full and cause your furnace to work less efficiently.
To clean or replace your furnace filter, remove it from its housing and vacuum it with a soft brush attachment. If the filter is damaged or excessively dirty, you may need to replace it.
5. Inspect Your Ductwork for Leaks
One often-overlooked task is inspecting your ductwork for leaks. Even small gaps in your ducts can result in significant heat loss, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort levels. Thankfully, identifying and sealing duct leaks is a relatively simple process.
- First, locate all the exposed ductwork sections in your home.
- Then, use a pressure gauge to test for leaks.
- If you find any areas where the air is escaping, use caulking or HVAC tape to seal the gaps.
By taking this simple step, you can help prepare your home for the colder months ahead. It’s important to hire a professional to identify the leaks if you’re not experienced in this type of work. You may worsen the leaks if you don’t know how to do it right!
6. Seal Any Cracks or Openings in Your Home’s Exterior
Sealing any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior is crucial. This will help to keep warm air in and cold air out, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. In addition, sealing cracks and openings can also help to prevent pests from entering your home.
7. Install Storm Windows and Insulation
Storm windows help to keep out drafts, and insulation helps to keep heat from escaping. Both measures can help reduce your energy bill and make your home more comfortable during the winter. In addition, installing storm windows and insulation can help to protect your home from damage caused by severe weather.
8. Reverse The Direction of Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can circulate air and make your home more comfortable during the summer. In the winter, you can reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so that they push warm air down from the ceiling. This will help to distribute heat evenly throughout your home and make it more comfortable.
9. Check The Thermostat Settings to Make Sure They Are Correct for The Season
As the temperatures begin to cool, checking the thermostat settings to ensure they are correct for the season is important. In the summer, you’ll want to keep your home cool to avoid excessive heat and humidity. But in the fall, you’ll need to adjust the thermostat to take advantage of the cooler outside temperature.
So, before you make the switch from cooling to heating, be sure to check your thermostat settings and make any necessary adjustments.
Read: Things To Consider When Installing A New-Build Heating System
Conclusion
As cooler fall temperatures approach, it’s important to ensure your thermostat settings are adjusted accordingly. Checking and changing the settings before switching from cooling to heating will help ensure your home is comfortable all season long.
Is your heating system on the fritz? Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help!
We understand the importance of having a warm and comfortable home during the winter, so we offer quick and reliable heating system repair, replacement, and installation services.
You can count on us to quickly switch from cooling to heating or diagnose the problem and get your system up & running again in no time. We also offer a wide range of heating systems in Litchfield so you can find the perfect one for your home or business.
