What’s on tap for this year’s Midwest winter? The forecasters are focused on El Nino and its milder winters, but longtime residents know that anything is possible in the Metro East area. That’s why Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel, IL, is here to help you prepare for winter, so you’re ready for whatever falls from the sky.
Did you remember to prep your HVAC system for the winter? It’s not too late. Taking care of these tasks now can lead to a cozier winter and even some energy bill savings!
Check the air filter
Give your HVAC system a head start on winter weather woes by replacing your air filter. Your HVAC system’s air filter is the first line of resistance against dust, dirt, and other air particles. As air is drawn into your home, the filter grabs those pesky pieces and keeps them from circulating. That’s good, right? Absolutely! Unfortunately, though, your air filter can become dirty and clogged over time, which means your system must work that much harder to draw in air. Always replace your air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Has it been a while? It’s probably time to start fresh for the winter months.
Cover your outside A/C condenser
Even if we escape the snow this winter, we’ll probably still see days of freezing temperatures and windy weather. A fitted cover helps protect the condenser from the elements.
Reinforce your home’s weatherstripping and insulation
The best time to tackle drafts is before the cold air slips in through the cracks. If the weather stripping around your doors and windows is old and crumbling, replace it now, before the cold weather makes the problem worse. Consider adding insulation to your attic to keep the warm air from escaping during the winter.
Do a test run now for warmth
Nobody wants to be stuck in the cold bedroom during the winter months. Make sure your HVAC system is heating every area of your home efficiently by doing a test run before the temperatures drop below the freezing mark. Turn up the heat, let it power through a cycle, and take a tour of your home. If a room feels cooler than the rest of the house, check for things like a blocked vent or a poorly insulated window. Remember, closed vents make your HVAC system work harder, so make sure air flows unimpeded throughout your home, even in those rooms that you don’t use regularly. If you still struggle to stay warm in certain areas of your home, a call to Ernst Heating & Cooling is in order to determine what’s causing the problem. Some homeowners may decide to upgrade to a zoned heating system, which lets you control the temperature of individual areas.
Schedule a tune-up
Are you one of those people who skip the warranty and the regular maintenance visits? You could pay for this shortcut with higher energy bills and a lower lifespan for your HVAC system. It’s not too late to schedule your regular furnace maintenance visit with Ernst Heating & Cooling. Let our professional HVAC technicians thoroughly inspect your system for safety and performance issues. We’ll give it a good cleaning to help it run more efficiently throughout the winter, and we’ll also tighten any loose connections and pinpoint troublemakers before they have a chance to create big problems.
No matter what winter brings, you can count on home comfort when you partner with Ernst Heating & Cooling. Need HVAC help? Call Ernst now at 618.217.1836 or schedule an appointment online. Be ready for winter with Ernst Heating & Cooling!