In Oklahoma, frigid winter weather extends beyond February, making it crucial for residents to maintain their HVAC system for optimal comfort until warmer temperatures arrive. By following preventive measures, you can avoid recurrent repairs or the potential for a breakdown in the heart of the season.
Trusted and qualified HVAC companies, including ComfortShield Heat & Air encourage residents to familiarize themselves with their equipment and how it functions. When you’re attuned to its performance, any irregularities, such as unusual sounds, will alert you to a problem.
A reputable and reliable HVAC contractor will also perform regular inspections to catch developing issues such as worn components can and make the necessary repairs or do a replacement to prevent worsening problems.
How can you keep your heating and cooling operating at peak performance throughout the cold Oklahoma winter? Let’s explore a few preventive tips.
Preventive Measures to Maintain an Efficient Heating & Cooling System
Maintaining your home’s heating and cooling is essential for your comfort and the well-being of your property. A neglected system gradually becomes inefficient, increasing energy costs. By being proactive with care and upkeep, you can prevent frequent service calls or the possibility of the equipment shutting down.
From routine professional inspections to simple upgrades, you can keep your HVAC running efficiently and extend its longevity. Consider these tips for winter and as the seasons transition.
The Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a simple upgrade that can provide Yukon residents considerable benefits. Modern devices allow you to remotely control the heating and cooling such as scheduling adjustments to ensure the house remains comfortable without wasting energy.
With the temperature adequately regulated, the equipment is less stressed, preserving the components and extending the HVAC lifespan.
A thermostat upgrade is a wise investment looking forward to when winter transitions into spring. Once the temperatures start to warm up, you’ll be ready for an inspection before turning the AC on, the perfect time to consider making the change. Visit What should I set my thermostat to in winter to save money? Oklahoma tips – for thermostat tips in the Oklahoma winter.
The Air Quality
Comfort and a healthy environment depend on good air quality in the home. Residents in Oklahoma ensure their homes are adequately sealed to keep the heat in and avoid the frigid air from invading their space.
The HVAC system is key to keeping air circulating but is only as good as the air filter that’s responsible for trapping particles like dust and allergens. For the filter to be effective, you need to change it periodically to prevent it from becoming clogged with dirt and debris.
A clogged filter not only contributes to poor air quality but also causes the HVAC system to work harder to push air through the filter. This can lead to premature wear of the parts and a shortened overall life for the equipment.
Routinely checking the filter and changing it roughly every 90 days is recommended. Further, adding air purifiers helps to keep the air quality healthy and lessens the strain on the heating and cooling system.
The Ductwork
Having the ductwork checked and periodically cleaned, along with routine preventive HVAC inspections, is also recommended to maintain efficient airflow and optimal heating and cooling performance. Over time, the ducts can accumulate debris with the potential for mold growth.
This buildup can disrupt airflow, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility costs as the system becomes less efficient. Routine inspections allow contractors to identify and address leaks or buildups. With the ducts cleaned and functional, you can avoid wasted energy and be rest assured of an effective HVAC.
The Warning Signs
As a homeowner, becoming familiar with your HVAC and its function is important in order to recognize signs of problems like unusual sounds or inconsistent heating and cooling. Mechanical issues can produce rattling and banging noises that need to be addressed by an HVAC contractor.
Also, if your utility costs start to fluctuate dramatically with no change in usage, it’s a sign that the unit is stressed. In order to have the underlying cause diagnosed accurately, a qualified heating and cooling specialist will inspect the equipment and address the issue to return the system to its highest efficiency.
Preventive inspections and regular maintenance of the furnace and the air conditioning help catch problems early to avoid the likelihood of malfunctioning.
Final Thought
Winter will likely be sticking around for several more weeks in Oklahoma. While the weather can be harsh, you can keep your home comfortable and cozy by taking proactive measures to maintain an efficient and high-performing heating and cooling system. Read here for household ideas and resources as you navigate the heart of the Yukon winter.
A key component is scheduling routine preventive inspections in the fall and again in the spring. A reputable HVAC contractor detects developing issues and addresses these to save excessive energy consumption and high utility costs. Greater efficiency can translate to an extended longevity for your equipment.