In Bradenton, Florida, we don’t have to worry about the harshest winter conditions like our neighbors to the north. But there are still steps we can take to make sure we have a more comfortable winter. Here are four ways to care for your HVAC system during the cooler months:
Maintain Ductwork and Insulation
Find and seal leaks in your ductwork to ensure that all the comfortable air your HVAC system is producing is makes it into the rooms you want to keep warm or cool. This conserves energy and lowers your heating and cooling costs by promoting the efficiency of your HVAC system. Ensuring that your home is properly insulated also makes sure that the warm or cool air isn’t escaping through your walls or roof.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
A dirty air filter will make your furnace work harder in winter because less air can make it through. Cleaning or replacing the air filter will keep your HVAC system running smoothly. It’ll also reduce the amount of contaminants re-circulating in your home, boosting indoor air quality.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
It can be tempting to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and leave it there all winter. But this can make your HVAC system work harder than necessary and drastically raise your energy costs. Set you thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter to maximize energy savings.
Cover the Outdoor AC Unit
We don’t often think about our air conditioning units when the temperature drops. But AC system maintenance is still important in winter. Covering your outdoor AC unit can prevent damage when you aren’t using the system between December and March.
Scheduling HVAC system maintenance is as important in the winter as it is in the spring or summer. Contact Air & Energy at 941-778-0773 to keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency.
Image provided by Shutterstock
