New York winters can be magical, but they also reach low temperatures. To ensure your home is cozy, even if the weather outside is frightful, it’s wise to perform some routine HVAC system maintenance in the fall. Here’s a guide to ensure your heater is ready for winter.

What You Can Do 

There are a few tasks you can do yourself to prepare your HVAC system for winter, starting with cleaning or changing your air filters. The filters are designed to capture dirt, dust, and debris to prevent them from infiltrating the system and accumulating on delicate interior components. They also prevent these particles from circulating in the indoor air. 

When they’re dirty, they cannot do their job effectively and impede airflow, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the designated temperature. This can also cause overheating, which may prompt the furnace to shut down for safety. Most households should change or clean the filter every three months, depending on whether yours is reusable or disposable. However, if your home has pets, you may need to do so more frequently. 

You can also ensure all vents are free of obstructions. Whether vents are on the ceiling, wall, or floor, there should be no furniture or other objects within six inches. Blocking the vents can impede airflow, causing undue strain on the furnace. It may also cause a fire hazard, especially if the obstructing object is flammable. If you have a gas furnace, you can call the gas company to fill up your fuel tank as well. Companies might raise prices in mid-winter as demand increases, so it’s wise to top up now. 

Finally, if you have a programmable thermostat, set it up for optimal efficiency. Most modern programmable models have an option to set the temperature based on your daily or weekly schedule, so you’re not unnecessarily heating the house when no one is home. If you don’t already have such a thermostat, consider investing in one to conserve energy and reduce heating bills. 

Why Schedule an Appointment with a Professional 

It’s also important to schedule a tune-up with a professional HVAC technician. They will inspect the system to ensure everything is in working order and resolve minor problems before they become more significant and costly. They’ll clean the blower assembly, heat exchanger, and burner nozzles, check the oil filter, lubricate the motor, check the fan, and look for leaks to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

For reliable HVAC maintenance and heater repair in Monroe County, turn to Rochester Heating & Cooling, Inc. Based in Spencerport, NY, this knowledgeable team has served the community for over 15 years and has over 50 years of combined experience. Whether you’re interested in a new programmable thermostat or energy-efficient HVAC upgrade or need furnace repair, they’re your source for trustworthy service. Call (585) 458-3700 to speak with a friendly staff member, or visit the website to learn more about the business and how they can support you.