Whether you’re hosting the holidays this year or planning a simple staycation, now is the perfect time to ensure your Dallas heating system is ready for the cold weather. The last thing anyone needs during this time is a broken furnace or heat pump. At Freedom Heating & Air, our heating technicians in Dallas, TX, have the following tips for your home’s heating system during the holidays.
Tip # 1 – Change the Air Filter
Replace air filters on a routine basis. According to the Department of Energy, clogged filters are an added cost. Ensuring your home has a clean filter can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%. Our technicians recommended filters be changed every three to six months. This timeframe can vary due to many factors. These include the age and condition of the A/C unit or if there are any pets in the household. The air filter should be simple to change, and you could buy the filters at your local hardware store. If you need help, contact our team for thorough heating maintenance in Dallas.
Tip # 2 – Use the Ceiling Fans
It would be best if you run your ceiling fan in the opposite direction in the winter. The ceiling fan should be running clockwise during winter months to maximize efficiency. Doing so will create an updraft that helps circulate warm air throughout your home.
Tip # 3 – Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. It is an odorless and colorless gas that is created when fuels burn incompletely. If you have a gas furnace in Dallas, or any gas-powered appliance in your home, be sure to test your carbon monoxide alarm. Test the batteries every month, or at minimum every three to six months, and replace the batteries every two years. Most carbon monoxide detectors last approximately 5 to 7 years. If the CO Alarm in your home needs to be updated, consider updating it. Some newer models offer both carbon monoxide and fire detection capabilities. While you’re checking the carbon monoxide alarm, be sure to check the fire alarm as well.
Tip # 4 – Check for Air Leaks or Drafts
Check the doors and windows around your home for any cracks or gaps where heat might escape. Often you can feel a draft if you put your hand near the opening. Sealing the draft can reduce heat loss and keep your home warm.
Tip # 5 – Clean the Air Vent Covers
If you will be having family over for Christmas this year, inspect the air vent covers. Dust may have built up on the vent covers since they were last cleaned. Using a vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment, you can remove the dust. A second cleaning option is to remove the vent cover and use a microfiber towel dipped in warm soapy water. Just be sure to dry the vent covers before returning them. While checking your air vent covers for dust, move any boxes or items blocking the vents and keep the air vents open. Doing so will allow proper airflow and reduce stress on the heating system.
Tip # 6 – Schedule Duct Cleaning
Consider scheduling air duct cleaning before your holiday party. Debris build-up in the air ducts reduces airflow, forcing the heating system to work harder. Overworking the HVAC unit will cause faster wear and tear on your Dallas home’s heating system and could shorten the system’s lifespan. A trained technician can tell you if any damaged air ducts are causing leaks, need replacement, or you might benefit from Aeroseal. Air duct leaks could waste up to 30% of the warm air produced by your home’s HVAC system. Call Freedom to schedule your air duct cleaning today!
Tip # 7 – Schedule a Heating Tune-up
Whether you have a gas furnace or a heat pump system, a heating tune-up ensures that your Dallas home’s heating system is safe to operate. Our technicians recommend a tune-up twice yearly, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Just like you should schedule a tune-up for your driving vehicle approximately every 5000 miles, you should do the same for your home’s heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system has a longer life span and costs less to operate than a neglected one.
Dallas Home Service Experts
At Freedom Heating & Air, our trained technicians are ready and prepared to provide you with heating system maintenance and services in Dallas and the surrounding areas. We also offer reliable Air Conditioning, Duct Cleaning, Aeroseal, and Indoor Air Quality products and services. All of which ensure everything concerning your HVAC system runs smoothly throughout the rest of the year.
If you’re a local business owner, you can turn to us for affordable commercial heating and air conditioning services. To learn more holiday HVAC tips, give our Dallas heating professionals at Freedom Heating & Air a call today.
