When the warm, autumn October weather blankets the northeast, we all know this second summer is a sign that colder temperatures are just around the corner. That means the time to make the annual switch from AC to heat on your HVAC system is almost here.
Simple right? Technically, most units just need a flick of a switch to change the settings. But at Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating, our technicians recommend some key things you need to know and do before turning on your furnace for the winter season.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Super Cold – Everyone’s parents told them to put on a sweater when the house started getting cold in the fall. But many people do wait too long before turning on the heat. You may think you’re saving money by putting off powering up the furnace, but if the house gets really cold, the work your unit has to do to bring things up to a comfortable temperature will probably burn up that extra cash.
Change Your HVAC Filters – When it’s time to make the switch from AC to heat, it’s also a good time to install a fresh HVAC filter. The old one has worked hard during the summer, and a new filter will boost the air quality in your home and take some strain off the system. Remember, HVAC is a shared system that uses the same blower for heat and AC, so a clean filter promotes better airflow and helps the unit run more efficiently.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance – Keep in mind that while your AC unit works hard all summer, the furnace has been on vacation. Because it doesn’t run for months, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on components, potentially causing performance problems. Make it a point to schedule HVAC maintenance in early fall before switching from AC to heat. This ensures the furnace runs optimally and gives our technicians plenty of time to tackle potential issues before it’s freezing outside.
Finish a Cycle Before Flipping the AC Switch – During the fall, it’s not unusual to wake up to very cold mornings that eventually turn into hot afternoons. If you switch between AC and heat, it’s important to let the systems complete their cycles if they are running. Failing to do this is known as “short cycling” and can put a lot of wear and tear on your HVAC unit, cause higher energy bills, and in some cases even blow fuses. Keep your thermostat turned off for at least five minutes after a heating or AC cycle ends. This gives the refrigerant pressure time to equalize, then you can safely start another cycle.
Dial In Your Thermostat Settings – The U.S. Department of Energy says that 68-degrees is the magic number for comfort and energy efficiency. While your ideal temperature may be a different, it is important to give your furnace time to literally warm-up. Start off with the temperature little lower than your usual setting and then gradually raise it to the desired number. This helps the furnace break into another season of keeping the house warm because it doesn’t have to run as long to reach temperature. Also, if you have a programmable thermostat, now’s the time to make sure the times and temperatures are correct. If there are any issues with the programming, it’s always better to find them early.
Call the Home Heating Experts in Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, and Saratoga
Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating has been keeping homes in the North Country warm for more than four decades. Our experienced team provides residential home heating services, including expert furnace repairs and HVAC replacements throughout Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. Call us today at 518-792-7114 or contact us online to learn more about our services and schedule a free estimate.