Is your home heating system ready for winter? Here at R&D Heating and Cooling, we've been providing trusted HVAC maintenance and HVAC repair services throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware since 1986. We know what it takes to keep your HVAC system running reliably throughout the year, and today we're sharing our top HVAC tips with you.

Check Your Filters

The transition from summer to fall, and on into winter means that you won't be able to open your windows as much anymore due to falling temperatures. This means that the air you breathe will be circulated throughout your home instead of fresh air directly from outside. If you haven't had your air ducts, filters, or HVAC coils cleaned in some time, air quality can decrease, meaning that once you close those windows, you'll be putting your family at risk. If we had to choose the single most important thing you can do to help keep your furnace running well, it would be to clean or replace your filter. Your HVAC system filter needs to be clean in order to function properly, otherwise, airflow to your system is restricted, leading to reduced energy efficiency and even poor air quality throughout your home. In fact, it's a good idea to check your filter every month as part of your regular HVAC maintenance routine.

Make Sure Your HVAC Is Running Efficiently

Your energy costs can skyrocket when your HVAC system starts to run less efficiently. The problem? When this happens, you probably won't be able to tell. It pays to have an HVAC maintenance and repair specialist out to check out your system and make sure everything is working correctly.
While having an inspection and regular HVAC maintenance certainly costs money, large repairs will cost much more if systems aren't kept in shape, and regular maintenance means that your energy bills have the potential to be as low as possible.

Clean and Adjust Your Floor Registers

Now's a great time to check all the floor registers throughout your home to ensure they can be opened and closed (and that they will remain in the position you set them too). If any of your registers are rusty, or worse yet, missing altogether, now's the time to replace them. While you're checking your registers, be sure to clear a safe space around each one to both ensure proper airflow and remove any combustible materials that could pose a safety hazard. Remember, your registers should never be obstructed in any way - that means moving furniture away from floor vents.

Perform A 'Sound Check'

Turn off all other sources of sound in your home (like your television, dishwasher, and radios) and turn your HVAC system on. Listen for any unusual noises such as squealing belts, rattling, or banging, and make note of any odd odors - these could all be signs that you need to call an HVAC repair specialist.

Consider Your Insulation

In temperate areas, most windows and doors have rubber or foam seals that prevent cold air from sneaking through the cracks in the winter. As homes age, these seals become less and less effective.Make sure that you replace rubber strips on windows and doors so that your HVAC system doesn't have to work harder than necessary is an important step.

Look For Rust

If you spot any rusting on your HVAC unit or vent pipes, this could be a sign that your HVAC system isn't working properly.

Keep Leaves Out of Your Outdoor Units

These days, you'll still have warmer weather in the fall, but that won't stop the leaves from dropping. For people with outdoor AC units, this can be a problem. Keep leaves, grass clippings, and other debris cleared well away from your outdoor heat pump, as these materials can block the airflow and lead to poor HVAC system performance.
If leaves and other debris clog up the intake area, your AC will have to work much harder to provide the same amount of comfort, causing your energy costs to skyrocket.

Consider Upgrading To A Programmable Thermostat

If you're still using an older, dial-style thermostat to control the temperature in your home, consider upgrading to a programmable digital thermostat or even a new smart thermostat. These low-cost devices can help you save money on your home heating bills by allowing you to adjust your HVAC system to keep your home warm while you're at home, and lowering the temperature when you're out.

Schedule A HVAC Maintenance Appointment

For peace of mind this winter, book an appointment with one of our licensed and insured HVAC repair specialists today. We'll inspect your system, change your filters, and identify issues that could leave you without heat.
If your existing HVAC system is more than 10 years old, you might want to consider taking advantage of our 0% financing for up to 60 months on eligible high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Contact Us Today

For more HVAC tips and information about how you can save on your home heating bills, contact us here at R&D Heating and Cooling today, and be sure to stay warm this winter!