We’re in the middle of beautiful fall weather. The nights are cool, the mornings are brisk, and the foliage is rich and colorful. While many of us would like to hold on to autumn a little longer before welcoming winter, it’s inevitable, and preparation is necessary. So, while you put away the patio furniture and get the snowblower ready, don’t forget to show some love to your mechanical appliances—it could save you a lot of heartache and money!
ERV/HRV Maintenance: Protect Your Air Exchanger
If you have an air exchanger, it has two outdoor connections: an intake and an exhaust. Each of these should be protected with a removable screen. Now is the perfect time to clear them of any accumulated dirt or debris. Simply wipe down the screens and put them back in place.
If they get clogged, the motor of your unit will have to work harder to draw or expel the air it needs to operate. This can result in a shorter motor life and higher electricity costs.
Furnace Filter Care: Prevent System Malfunctions
If you’re using a 1” hardware store filter, you should be checking this every 30 days or so. If you’re using 5” pleated media, you can generally get away with changing it just once a year.
In either case, ensuring your furnace gets proper airflow is essential to a worry-free heating season. Clogged filters are one of the most common—and avoidable—reasons for emergency service calls related to malfunctioning heating equipment!
Fireplace Readiness: Check Before You Fire It Up
If you’ve got a fireplace that heats a space in your room, it’s probably been off during the warmer months. Before you fire it up again to add heat and ambiance to your home, ensure it’s clear of debris and will run safely and reliably for the colder months ahead.
If it’s been a while since your last precision tune-up, call our licensed gas technicians to get one scheduled!
Adjust Your Thermostat: Save Money on Heating Bills
If you haven’t yet, now’s the ideal time to adjust your thermostat schedule. While a “set it and forget it” approach works best with higher-efficiency systems like heat pumps, some of us prefer to be cooler at night. Our gas or electric furnaces adjust temperatures quickly and regularly.
This year, try adjusting things to be a little cooler than usual; even a one-degree difference can save you real money on your utility bill!
Protect Your AC: Keep It Safe from Winter Damage
The outdoor component of your air conditioner (the compressor motor and condensing coil) should be protected from harsh winter weather. It’s a sealed unit, so you don’t have to worry about snow harming it, just like it runs fine in the summer rain.
The real danger comes from above. If your unit sits below the eaves or soffit of your home, it may be at risk of falling icicles. Most air conditioners come with covers that create a snug fit around your unit, keeping it safe from debris all season long until you’re ready to use it again.
For added security, turn off the dedicated electrical breaker that controls it until next spring.
Clean Your Registers: Improve Airflow and Health
Next time you’ve got the vacuum out, take a few extra minutes to clear any dust from your registers, including the larger cold air return grills. If you’re comfortable, you can even take them off and vacuum the immediate inside of them. This helps promote cleaner, healthier air—especially important as you pass heat through your ductwork.
If you’re finding an abundance of debris, consider a professional duct cleaning. The areas you can’t reach yourself will surely benefit from a deep cleaning. Did you know that many ClimateCare members offer this service?
Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor for Winter Maintenance
A lot of us have a favorite mechanic who looks over our vehicles to ensure they operate reliably and safely. They change the oil, the tires, and address whatever other issues we encounter on the roads. We hope you feel the same way about your heating and cooling professional—your local ClimateCare contractor.
If that’s not the case, and in an emergency, you find yourself scrambling for someone to restore heat or hot water to your home this winter, here are a few things to consider in your decision:
Reputation: Look for Reviews and Trust Indicators
Look for social proof like the volume, quantity, and recency of their online reviews. This can include Google, social media platforms like Facebook, and home service sites like Yelp. It’s also a healthy indicator if they’re a member of your local Chamber of Commerce in good standing.
Experience: A Long History Matters
One of the tried-and-true measures of a business’ reputation is how long they’ve been in business. While older doesn’t always mean better, a business that’s been around for many decades serving your community has surely got a few things right over the years. Don’t be shy to ask how long they’ve been in business!
Transparent Pricing: Understand the Costs
The lowest price rarely means the best-quality job, but the pricing should be transparent. You should understand exactly what the costs are with detailed estimates provided after a thorough on-site inspection and consultation. A good contractor will also offer you different options for repair or replacement.
Certifications: Ensure Proper Credentials
Just like your auto mechanic, your heating and cooling contractor requires certifications from the relevant authority to perform work on your mechanical appliances. In Ontario, that regulatory body is the Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA) for gas appliances. Any technician working on your home should be able to show you their gas license.
Rest assured that ClimateCare members are required to have all necessary certifications and up-to-date training.
Protect Your Home Comfort This Winter
Preparing your HVAC system for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s maintaining your furnace, adjusting your thermostat, or protecting your AC, taking the right steps now can save you money and headaches later.
If you’re not part of a monthly maintenance or protection plan with your contractor, be sure to inquire about how you can save money and avoid getting stranded this winter. Reach out to your local ClimateCare member today!
