With the winter season coming up, now’s the perfect time for UK homeowners to ensure that their home’s HVAC system is in full working condition.
With the UK’s winters often bitingly cold, having a fully functioning HVAC system is paramount for creating a cosy, toasty environment in which to ride out the chilliest months of the year. By taking the time to follow our HVAC maintenance tips, you can benefit from having peace of mind that your all-important heating equipment will not break down when you need it the most. Plus, our handy HVAC efficiency tips might also result in energy savings, which means you’ll have more money for your festive presents fund.
Why is Winter HVAC Maintenance Important?
HVAC maintenance is paramount for having a comfortable, warm home during the winter months. The UK’s winters can always be chilly, but there’s an increased risk of frost and snow during the 24/25 winter season, which makes it doubly important that homeowners take the time to ensure their HVAC systems are working exactly as they should be.
Failure to follow the recommended HVAC tips for winter can result in poor performance, which means you’ll likely end up with higher energy bills — and perhaps most crucially of all, won’t be warm when you’re at home. Proper HVAC maintenance also decreases the chance of system failure just when you need your heating system the most.
Ultimately, we’re sharing our HVAC tips for proper maintenance because they’re important. They boost comfort and provide cost-savings, both of which are vitally important to all UK homeowners.
HVAC Winter Maintenance Checklist
A little bit of work now can go a long way to ensuring that you have a comfortable winter season at home. After all, there’s nothing worse than waking up on a cold winter’s morning, only to realise that your previously-working HVAC system has experienced a catastrophic failure.
Don’t let that happen to you. Follow these tips for peace of mind. Note that they can also be considered commercial HVAC maintenance tips, so they’ll work just as well for your business premises.
Replace/Clean The Air Filters
Your HVAC system will have to work extra hard if the air filters are clogged. And the harder a system has to work, the more likely it is that it’ll run into problems.
You can ensure sufficient air supply by cleaning your HVAC system’s air filters. To do this, simply remove the filter and use a vacuum to clean up the dust and debris. Note that some HVAC systems have replaceable air filters, in which case you should replace them in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Inspect and Clean Ducts and Vents
Your HVAC system’s performance depends on having well-maintained, clean ducts and vents. If these ducts are blocked for any reason, then the system will have to work harder to keep your home warm. You can use a vacuum on your vents to remove excessive dust and debris, though if there’s a big build-up in there you’ll want to call a HVAC maintenance company.
Ensure the Thermostat is Working Correctly
There’s a simple test you can do to ensure your thermostat is working correctly. Turn it down to zero, turn it off, then turn it back on again and turn the dial up. If it fires up, then your thermostat should be working correctly.
Boost Your HVAC Efficiency This Winter
Your HVAC system should be good for both your comfort and your wallet. Follow these 5 energy-saving tips for efficient HVAC usage.
Install a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
This will ensure you don’t use excess energy when your home is unoccupied.
Seal Windows, Doors, and Ductwork
This will help prevent warm air from escaping your property.
Insulate Pipes and Ducts in Cold Parts of Your Home
This will protect them from cold snaps, as well as boost pipe performance.
Schedule a Professional HVAC System Tune-Up
Keep your HVAC system in full working condition by scheduling a professional tune-up.
Common HVAC Problems in Winter and How to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, HVAC problems are common during the winter months. Here are some of the key issues we see time and time again, as well as some advice on how to avoid them.
Furnace short cycling or failure to turn on
Your furnace could be short-cycling or failing to turn on due to a dirty filter, a problem with the flame sensor, or a blocked vent.
Uneven heating throughout the home
This could be due to an inappropriately sized HVAC system for your home, leaky ducts, or poor layout.
Frozen pipes or refrigerant lines
Keeping your thermostat set to 55 degrees during cold weather snaps can help prevent frozen pipes.
Increased energy usage due to clogged filters or inefficient systems
Cleaning or changing your filters can boost energy efficiency. If the system is old and inefficient, then it might be time for an upgrade.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
There are plenty of maintenance tips that homeowners can follow to keep their HVAC system in full working condition, but keep in mind that, at some point, you may need to call a professional to take a look.
If you’ve had your HVAC system for more years than you can remember, then it can be recommended to call a professional. Some other telltale signs that it’s time to pick up the phone include:
- The HVAC system is making strange noises.
- It provides low airflow or uneven heating.
- Your energy bills are unusually high despite normal usage.
- The system does not consistently reach the set temperature or has other issues, such as repeatedly turning on/off.
Booking a professional HVAC system inspection can help to catch issues as soon as possible, preventing more expensive repairs further down the line.
Investing in your HVAC system’s maintenance now can ensure you have a comfortable, wallet-friendly winter at home. Take the tips above to reduce the likelihood that you’ll run into problems just as the cold weather arrives. If you need any help looking after your HVAC system, or you think it might be time for an upgrade, don’t hesitate to contact the team here at ACS.