Winter can be tough on your HVAC system. Avoid costly repairs and cold, uncomfortable nights by running through our winter HVAC maintenance checklist! This handy guide offers directions for winter HVAC tasks ranging from turning on your heating system to ensuring excellent energy efficiency.

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Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips and Checklist

If you already turned off your air conditioner in the fall, the next focus will be turning on your heater for the first time in winter. Turning on your heat for the season and preparing your system with basic winter HVAC maintenance can save you money by preventing unnecessary repairs and ensuring you’re never left shivering in the cold!

Before You Turn on the Heat…

No matter what kind of heating system you have, make sure you cross these three items off your winter to-do list:

  1. Replace your air filter. Replace your air filter every 30-90 days to preserve indoor air quality and to protect your heating system from working harder than it needs to. You can get more out of your air filter by choosing the model with the right MERV rating.
  2. Clear obstructed vents. If you rearranged furniture over the spring, summer, or fall, take a moment to ensure no air vents are blocked. Keeping your air vents clear improves the even distribution of warm air to every part of your home, improves energy efficiency, and reduces the risk of fire.
  3. Schedule a winter HVAC tune-up with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Our HVAC professionals will stay ahead of underlying issues with your heating system.

Turning On Your Heater for the First Time in the Winter

Start your electric or gas furnace safely by following these steps.

  1. Set your thermostat to “Heat.” Many homeowners forget to switch to the correct setting! We recommend doing this first so you can expect to hear the heating system kick on once indoor temperatures are low enough.
  2. Turn on the power at the circuit breaker. Heating systems typically have a dedicated electrical circuit. To restore power to your furnace or boiler, identify and flip the correct circuit in the breaker panel.
  3. Turn the heating system on. Most systems have a switch either on the unit itself or mounted on a nearby wall. In most cases, it looks like a normal light switch.
  4. Listen, watch… and smell. When your furnace kicks on for the first time, spend a few minutes observing it. Listen for odd sounds like metal clanging or changes to how the fan works. You may also notice dust near the unit, which could be a sign that it’s time for professional air duct cleaning services. Be aware of new smells, including possible smoke or fuel smells like gas or heating oil.
  5. Check your thermostat settings. Adjust your programmable thermostat settings to your winter needs. Smart thermostats can improve energy efficiency and help you save money on your monthly heating bill.

More HVAC Winter Tips

Winter’s bite might be sharper where you live. For homeowners in colder climates, winter heating bills can be a substantial financial burden—in the same way summer air conditioning costs can add up in southern states. Make energy efficiency, plus maintaining healthy indoor air quality, a part of preparing your home for winter. Here’s how!

Winter Energy Efficiency Tips

There are several ways to lower your winter heating bill by investing a little time and money. On top of scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, use these tips to improve your HVAC energy efficiency this winter!

  • Inspect and seal windows and doors. Even tiny cracks and broken seals can cause substantial heat loss. According to the EPA, Americans can save 15% on their home heating and cooling costs by properly sealing small gaps in windows and doors. Use spray foam or other winterizing products to keep warm air in and cold air out!
  • Install and use a smart thermostat. Most smart thermostats offer programmable and smart features to adjust your home heating schedule. After installing, you can expect to save between 10% and 12% on your home heating costs and roughly 15% on air conditioning costs. We can help you choose and install the right thermostat for your home.
  • Close off unused fireplaces. While charming, fireplaces are less efficient sources of heat than your central heating. If you don’t use your fireplace, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency by safely closing off your fireplace either temporarily or permanently.

What Is the Most Energy Efficient Temperature for Winter?

According to Energy Star, the most energy-efficient setting for your thermostat in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home. To save money, you can use a smart thermostat or manually lower the temperature to 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit for times when you’re away. 

Winter Indoor Air Quality

Indoor allergies in winter can feel inescapable as you spend more time inside and out of the elements. Allergy symptoms aren’t just a seasonal issue for the roughly 50 million Americans who are sensitive to dust, dander, and other common indoor winter allergies.

When you understand what factors reduce indoor air quality during the winter months, you address the problems more efficiently. Here’s how to solve winter indoor air quality problems:

  • Combat dry winter air. Air holds less moisture at lower temperatures. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not your furnace making your indoor air dry in the winter! That low-moisture air gets in from the outside. Dry air contributes to the feeling of a dry, scratchy nose and throat and can even increase your risk of getting sick. Use a portable humidifier or a whole-home humidifier to achieve the right humidity levels.
  • Reduce pollution from heating sources. Home heating systems fueled by gas or fuel oil emit carbon monoxide (CO). While well-maintained heating systems safely expel emissions outdoors, small cracks or misalignments in the vent can cause elevated CO levels in your home. This risk is even higher if you supplement your home heating system with a wood or pellet stove. Check your carbon monoxide monitor often during winter if you use any heat generated by combustion.
  • Improve poor air circulation. When indoor air gets stale during warmer parts of the year, homeowners can quickly open their windows to improve ventilation. Depending on where you live, that may not be a choice for several months during winter. However, it’s still possible to improve air circulation in your home by keeping interior doors open and using ceiling fans. You can also reduce irritation from aireborne dust and dander by dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces frequently. Winter is a great time to purse professional cleaning help from The Cleaning Authority to stay on top of your winter indoor air quality.

No Matter The Season, We’re Here to Help!

Enjoy winter comfortably by staying ahead of your winter HVAC maintenance. By preparing your heat system before turning it on, replacing your air filter, and being mindful of energy efficiency, you can avoid costly winter HVAC repairs and save money on your heating bills. You don’t have to handle your seasonal HVAC maintenance alone. Count on your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning to lend a helping hand. Schedule your appointment online or call ${phones} today.

HVAC Tips for Winter – Frequently Asked Questions

When do you turn on the heat for winter?

Every household has different preferences, but we recommend turning on your heating system when the forecast calls for temperatures that are steadily below what you find comfortable. This reduces the need to turn your system on and off repeatedly or risk having it turn on accidentally.

Is it okay to run your HVAC fan continuously in the winter?

Running your HVAC fan continuously can help improve air circulation and reduce cold spots in your home. There is little risk of wearing a fan out by using it consistently during any time of year. 

Further Reading

Additional Services

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be a part of Authority Brands! No matter what home service needs you’re facing, there’s an Authority Brands franchise nearby ready to roll up their sleeves and help:

  • Make the most of time spent indoors with a fresh perspective and a fresh color! Trust Color World Painting for interior and exterior home painting services!
  • If winter storms bring down trees at your home, don’t try to clear them alone. Trust the experts at Monster Tree Service for all your emergency tree removal needs.
  • Are things starting to pile up in your backyard? DootyCalls is your professional dog poop removal service!