Here are 5 Methods to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter.

Winters can get extremely cold here in Missouri. So before winter, it’s wise to ensure the heating and cooling system of your Lake of the Ozarks home or business is in optimal working order. These 5 tips will help you prepare and avoid costly HVAC system repairs or equipment breakdowns.

It's time to replace the filter.

The HVAC system has been running all summer. Now that winter is upon us, check to see if the filter needs to be changed. Dirt sucked into HVAC systems is often the primary reason for their failure. A filthy filter also makes the system much less efficient.

It’s a good idea to keep backup air filters on hand so that you don’t have an excuse for not having a replacement available. And remember to check your air filter every 30 days to ensure it is working correctly.

Temperatures are still mild outside, so turn your furnace on at least three times.

It is important to turn on your furnace at least three times before the weather gets really cold. You don’t want to wait and turn on your furnace for the first really cold day and find out that it isn’t working.

Several problems can happen with your heating system during the off-season. Squirrels and other animals may become stuck in the flue or ventilation systems (yuck). So while it’s still mild out early in the season, you want to determine if your furnace is working.

Look carefully at the furnace's surrounding area.

It’s always a smart idea to conduct a visual inspection of your furnace before and during the heating season, whether it’s in a closet, the attic, or even in the garage. If you’re one of those lucky people whose furnace is in the attic, you’ll probably want to enlist professional help.

Make sure there is at least a 3-foot clearance around the entire furnace. You must avoid draping anything near or over the furnace or stacking items around it. You see, furnaces require fresh air to “breathe.” So if junk is piled up around the furnace, it reduces airflow and causes them to stop working correctly.

Click here to learn about winter heating safety tips, gas leaks, carbon monoxide, water leaks, electrical shocks, and fire prevention.

Get a programmable thermostat, and learn how to operate it correctly.

It’s a good idea to revisit your thermostat settings as the seasons change. Setting your thermostat ahead of time in the morning can help ensure your home is nice and warm when you wake up.

You can also set it to turn off when you leave in the morning. Likewise, you can set it to turn back on 30 minutes before you come home. And then it can turn off at night if you prefer it to cool down some in the evening.

Intelligent and programmable thermostats have a lot of helpful features. Refer to the manual or contact a professional service provider to help you with the initial programming.

Have regular maintenance done at least once a year.

It’s dangerous for homeowners to play around with two volatile elements: carbon monoxide, which is emitted by a furnace, and natural gas, which is used to produce heat.

Since your furnace utilizes an open flame, it is essential to have your heating system inspected annually by a professional. You need to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently. Plus, your HVAC specialist will thoroughly clean the system to improve indoor air quality and lengthen its lifespan.

Conclusion: Consider a Maintenance Plan

Tom’s Air Conditioning at Lake of the Ozarks offers a planned V.I.C. (Very Important Customer) Maintenance Program. This greatly simplifies your maintenance as it allows us to manage the support for your system for you. Therefore, you will never have to worry about your regular maintenance being overlooked and falling off the radar. You can enjoy the benefits of your home comfort systems running in top condition.

You can learn more about Tom’s Maintenance program here.

(This article was submitted by Tom’s Air Conditioning at Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks!)