Just like we trade sunhats and sunglasses for sweaters and touques when winter arrives, our homes need a seasonal switch too. HVAC winter maintenance in Edmonton can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to keep it simple. In this short article with Weiss-Johnson, we’ll highlight a few must-know tips to help homeowners this winter.
#1: Change Your Air Filters
When winter hits in Edmonton, your furnace has to pace itself like a marathoner, not a sprinter. It will likely be running every day, so it needs consistent care. Fortunately, keeping your furnace in good shape is relatively simple. Take the time to change your furnace’s air filters before it starts working overtime this winter. Your furnace’s air filter gets heavy usage, especially if your home also has a central AC, since both systems share the air filter. Check your furnace filter monthly during cold snaps when your furnace is working overtime.
#2: Check Your Thermostat
The thermostat is the unsung hero of the home, making it one of the easiest things to forget about. It’s essential for your home’s temperature regulation, and it works hard to prevent overheating in the summer or freezing in December. Take the time to ensure it’s set to the right temperature settings for wintertime. While largely up to personal preference, a common guideline is 22° C during the day and 19° C at night. Something as simple as a dead battery in your thermostat can cause you huge headaches while you are away on a holiday!
#3: Winter-Proof Windows & Doors
While fresh snowfall and frosty air may look beautiful, it’s best to keep it where it belongs—outside. Homes in Edmonton lose a surprising amount of heat in the winter through cracks in windows and under doors. Not sure if it’s happening in your home? Do a quick test: on a cold day, place your hand along the bottom of your doors and the edges of your windows. If you feel cool air, that means a draft is letting the cold in.
Take the time to install a door sweep, add weather stripping, or apply caulking for small gaps. Once these gaps are sealed, your furnace won’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature. Your wallet will thank you once your utility bill arrives!
#4: Clear Outdoor Vents & Pipes
One of the highlights of the colder months in Edmonton is the stunning foliage. But as the brilliantly-coloured leaves fall, the results can be less than spectacular for your home’s outdoor vents and pipes.
In many Edmonton homes, furnaces, water heaters, and HRVs have outdoor vents located just a few feet from the ground. Make it a priority to remove any leaves and debris with your hand or an outdoor shop vac, making sure not to push it further in accidentally. Continue to make this task into winter as well, as ice and snow can also build up here.
#5: Clear Your Air Registers and grills
Your registers and grills are like the nose of your Edmonton home’s HVAC system, and over time, they can get clogged. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in these exit points as air is circulated through the ventilation system. Fortunately, it can easily be vacuumed off with a hose attachment. This is also a good time to check and make sure that furniture, rugs, or any other obstructions aren’t blocking any air registers.
If it’s been over two to three years since your last ductwork cleaning, book it when it isn’t too cold outside so your furnace isn’t off for too long and your house can get dangerously cold.
#6: Book Your Edmonton HVAC Winter Tune-Up
While these are all homeowner-friendly tasks, there’s plenty more that only a licensed Edmonton HVAC contractor should handle. An expert contractor like Weiss-Johnson will take care of your home’s winter tune-up needs, from adjusting gas pressure to testing the furnace safety controls that keep your family safe.
Winterize Your Home with Weiss-Johnson
Put your mind at ease this winter by leaving your Edmonton home’s HVAC maintenance to us. See why generations of homeowners have trusted Weiss-Johnson as their dependable partner for all their HVAC Edmonton needs. Start the conversation with us to book your expert consultation with the Weiss-Johnson team and get started.
