In most cases, New Jersey homeowners will endure mild winters and a couple of bright, 70° days throughout the month of October. Colder temperatures are on the way, so getting your HVAC system ready for winter is critical in ensuring that your family is comfortable and your machine performs at top efficiency. Follow our 5-step process to get your heating and cooling equipment ready for winter!
1. Schedule A Fall Maintenance Appointment
The fall is an excellent opportunity to have your heating and air conditioning system inspected and any necessary repairs carried out by an HVAC specialist, as it is when your AC and heat pump are used the least due to the mild weather.
Before winter arrives, a Urban Mechanical technician will examine your system wiring and heat exchange, look for any gas leaks, and run a diagnostic test to ensure your system is in excellent working order. If you detect strange sounds, scents, or leaking pipes, let your technician know. Making the most of your technician’s time and money is a good idea!
2. Turn On Your Heat Pump or Furnace 2-3 Times Before Winter Arrives
Before long-lasting cold weather arrives, fire up your heat pump or furnace at least twice to ensure that your system is in good operating order. Don’t wait until winter starts to turn the heat on just to find out your system isn’t working as it should. Set your thermostat to the desired temperature and allow your home to reach that temperature before turning it off.
3. Adjust and Test Your Thermostat – And Think SMART
A smart thermostat is your best ally when it comes to energy efficiency and savings during the winter months. You can even manage your home’s temperature from a distance using w-fi connections and smartphone applications. Trane’s smart thermostats even learn your heating and cooling preferences, then adjust to provide the optimum balance of efficiency and comfort.
It’s simple to use a smart thermostat to schedule your heating and cooling system to run less while you’re away, saving you money on energy. You may program your digital thermostat to turn on as soon as family members plan on arriving home, ensuring that your house is heated to a comfortable 68°-72° degrees when you walk through the door.
PRO TIP: According to Energy.gov, the most savings can be had by setting your thermostat to 68° when you’re at home and lowering it 10-12 degrees at night or during the day when you aren’t there.
4. Replace Your HVAC Air Filters
One of the most frequent reasons for HVAC system failures is clogged air filters. Dust and dirt settle in your HVAC system when your filters become clogged, causing wear and tear on its components and preventing proper air circulation throughout your home. Air filters should be inspected monthly for dust accumulation and replaced if necessary less than 90 days after purchase. If you have pets or are allergic to dust, you will almost certainly need to replace it more frequently.
Over the past several years, AC filters have risen in popularity as a result of the pandemic. Some experts are recommending higher-efficiency filters to catch virus particles in light of the viral transmission uncertainty.
5. Winterize Your Outdoor AC Unit
In New Jersey we can see up to several feet of snow each winter and even experience a few good ice storms. so make sure to shovel snow off your heating unit and keep your outdoor unit from any debris, like leaves, twigs, or grass clumps.
Urban Mechanical encourages all New Jersey homeowners to follow these simple steps to prepare their HVAC systems for the winter weather ahead. Doing so will ensure your family’s comfort, prolong your system life, prevent breakdowns, and maximize system efficiency.
If you have any questions or concerns about your HVAC unit, please do not hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Urban Mechanical We are dedicated to comfort year round and want to make sure you and your family are warm and relaxed this winter.
