When the cold winter weather settles in, conducting a wintertime HVAC system audit is a must for every homeowner. This will help to catch any problems with your system before they lead to increased energy bills. It could also help prevent a system breakdown. Below, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to effectively audit your HVAC system and ensure optimal efficiency and comfort.
Thermostat Check
A great place to start is at your thermostat. Ensure it is set to heat and that the blower fan is set to Auto instead of On. Raise the temperature by a few degrees and make sure your heating system turns on promptly. If you have a smart thermostat, now is the time to check its battery level. Also, ensure the app on your remote devices works, and set or revise any schedules.
Filter Inspection
Air filters are a necessary part of any HVAC unit to protect its internal components from unwanted debris. It also helps keep your indoor air clean. During your inspection, it’s best to pull the filter out and check it over. If you use a disposable filter in your ducted heating system, hold it up to a light. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s time to replace it. Ensure you replace it with a filter of the exact same size.
If you have a ductless mini-split system, then each indoor air handler unit will have its own air filter. These filters are usually washable and must be completely dried before reinstalling to prevent toxic mold growth. Many systems require filter cleaning every two weeks.
Vent Examination
If you rely on a ducted heating system, then you have various vents and registers throughout all the different rooms of your home. During your wintertime HVAC audit, it’s important to inspect each vent. You want to verify that it’s in the open position and there are no obstructions blocking the airflow in or out of it. Additionally, it’s best to clean any dirt or other debris from the vent’s grates to ensure optimal airflow.
Air Leak Check
Any air leaks on your exterior walls, windows, or doors will lead to drafting in the room, which will decrease its overall temperature. The more air drafts that you have, the longer your heating system must run to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This will raise your utility bills and place undue wear on the system. We recommend inspecting all your exterior walls for any new air leaks.
These are most common around door and window frames and can also show up at light switches and outlets on those exterior walls. Use weather-stripping, foam insert pads, caulking, or spray foam to seal off air leaks and prevent drafting in your rooms. This will go a long way in preventing your heating system from overworking during the winter months.
Condenser Examination
If you rely on a heat pump to warm your home, then you need to be mindful of your outdoor condenser unit. Take a moment to inspect the entire unit and clear away any debris, such as leaves and twigs, that’s up against it. You want at least three feet of open space around the outdoor unit for optimal airflow and system efficiency.
It’s also best to inspect the fins on the outside of the condenser housing to see if any of them are bent out of position. If you’re comfortable, you can use a fin comb to bend the fins back into a horizontal position. This helps the system work more efficiently, as bent fins can restrict airflow. If you see rust or significant damage or aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, feel free to call us for maintenance or repairs.
Test Safety Devices
At the bare minimum, your home should have a smoke detector on every floor and outside of each bedroom alongside a fire extinguisher. Your fire extinguisher should be relatively close to your heating system and be rated for type ABC or type C electrical fires. In addition, make sure that your fire extinguisher hasn’t expired.
If your heating system burns natural gas, heating oil, or propane, you also need active carbon monoxide detectors. It’s best to replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test each to ensure they’re operating efficiently.
Professional HVAC Maintenance Service
Chancey Heating & Cooling offers professional HVAC maintenance service for the Douglas, GA area. We recommend heater maintenance every fall or early winter to catch small issues before they balloon into a system failure. We can also help with all your HVAC repair, installation, and replacement needs. Simply call our office today to book your next service appointment.
