With winter knocking at the door in St. Louis, now is the time to ensure that your home is ready for whatever the weather might throw at it. That means proper care and maintenance of your HVAC system, which is the key to both warm, comfortable living and reasonable energy bills.
Preventive maintenance from a quality provider like Anton’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Energy Experts, along with some other HVAC St Louis hacks can keep your system in good shape and reduce the likelihood of winter breakdowns, which are always a risk with heating equipment. This is especially true for older homes and/or those with outdated heating units.
Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
Engage a professional HVAC contractor to inspect and service the furnace or heat pump in your home before the first winter storm strikes. This person should be a qualified, certified technician. They will check the unit’s parts (especially those likely to wear out), clean the unit, and perform necessary maintenance to ensure the unit runs at or close to peak efficiency when required.
Routine (pre- and post-winter) inspections and service can extend the life of the heating apparatus and prevent unexpected breakdowns during the coldest weather.
Change Your Air Filter
An airflow-restricted air filter can do terrible things to a heating system. Restricted air (not just heated air) can upset the combustion process. That can reduce heating system efficiency and increase furnace-related emissions. Any increase in emissions is undesirable, and there are good reasons to convert those emissions to clean air as safely and effectively as possible.
Insulate Air Ducts and Seal Leaks
Air leaks in and around the home can make maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature nearly impossible; they also waste a tremendous amount of energy. In the St. Louis area, a number of local homes were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This means that they have sagging floors; unsealed seams in exterior walls, floors, and roofs; and drafty windows.
Old homes also often have outdated and inefficient heating systems to match. Insulating windows and storm windows help. Seal ducts and insulate ductwork in the attic and crawlspaces to avoid sending air to those spaces and keep the HVAC unit from overworking.
Check Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is working properly. If it is not, then that is the first thing that needs to be addressed. If your current, old-school thermostat isn’t functioning as it should, HVAC St Louis service professionals suggest upgrading to a programmable or smart model that is better at maintaining energy-efficient temperatures.
A smart thermostat can lower your home’s temp while you’re away and raise it again before you return, saving you energy during those long stretches when you’re not home.
Choosing the Right HVAC St Louis Service Provider
The St. Louis winter is not the time for HVAC breakdowns. A well-maintained heating system ensures both comfort and peace of mind. You can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of a midwinter meltdown and, in so doing, enjoy the comforts of energy-efficient, cozy living, no matter how low the temps may drop.