The best time to get your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system ready for winter is before cool weather arrives. In Lake Zurich, Illinois, the first frost can arrive as early as mid-September. Doing simple maintenance improves performance and comfort. Here are a few do-it-yourself tasks that help you get ready for cool weather.
Clean the Air Filter
An air filter is the first line of defense in keeping your heating and cooling unit operating efficiently. Dirty air filters are the number one reason that units break down. According to the Department of Energy, replacing or cleaning a filter can reduce energy usage by up to 15 percent.
Weatherize
Weatherization saves energy and improves indoor comfort. Sealing air leaks can reduce heating bills by more than 20 percent. Caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows are inexpensive, easy ways to reduce drafts and keep your home warm. Other simple weatherization tasks include caulking around places where electrical lines, cables and plumbing enter the building. Adding foam gaskets behind electrical outlets on exterior walls also retards air leaks.
Controlling moisture improves comfort and lowers energy usage. Air currents account for 98 percent of the movement of moisture in building cavities. Sealing holes and cracks reduces moisture transfer between cool and warm spaces. This improves equipment performance.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up
Major manufacturers recommend scheduling a furnace tune-up before turning on the heat the first time each year. A certified HVAC contractor will examine each element of the system. Fixing small problems as they are identified is easier and less expensive than dealing with major problems later.
Martin Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning has provided HVAC installations, repairs and maintenance for Lake Zurich businesses and residences for more than 25 years. We work on all brands and models of equipment. Our NATE-certified technicians undergo regular factory training on leading-edge equipment. We value our customers and go the extra mile to ensure you are completely satisfied.
To find out more about preparing your heating system for cool weather, call (847) 719-8442 to speak to one of our licensed technicians.
