As the crisp autumn air begins to replace the summer heat, it’s time to shift our focus from keeping our homes cool to ensuring they stay warm and cozy. Transitioning your HVAC system smoothly from cooling to heating is essential to maintain comfort and efficiency in your home. Read on for valuable tips and tricks for optimal system performance!
Adjusting Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command center of your HVAC system. To ensure a smooth transition, follow these tips:
- Switch Modes: For AC and gas furnaces, switch your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. This prevents confusion and ensures your system operates as intended. If you have a heat pump, note that it may only set to cool or “auto.”
- Check Battery Levels: Replace any weak batteries in your thermostat to avoid interruptions in system operation.
- Programmable Thermostats: If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust the settings to accommodate the changing seasons. If you have a mini-split or heat pump, keep a consistent temperature for optimal performance. For AC and gas furnaces, you can set back temperatures slightly, but not enough to kick on the heat steps when you call for heat in the morning.
Optimizing Airflow
Proper airflow is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home and ensuring your HVAC system operates efficiently. Before the heating season kicks in, it’s essential to check and change your air filters if needed. Clean filters allow for improved airflow and help prevent dust and debris from circulating in your home. Additionally, consider opening all vents and registers to ensure warm air can freely circulate throughout your living spaces.
Preparing Your Furnace for Winter
Before you start relying on your furnace for warmth, it’s essential to prepare it for the increased workload. Schedule a professional maintenance service from Bend Heating to have your furnace inspected, cleaned, and tuned up. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lasts longer, and reduces the risk of breakdowns during the colder months. Our skilled technicians can identify any potential issues and address them before they escalate, ensuring your HVAC system is in top condition for the heating season.
Sealing Drafts and Insulating
To maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system and keep your home warm during the cooler months, it’s crucial to check for drafts and insulate your home properly. Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. Consider adding insulation to your attic (if you have one), walls, and floors to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature in your home and reduces the workload on your HVAC system.
Performing a Test Run
Before the temperatures drop significantly, it’s a good idea to perform a test run of your heating system to ensure everything works as it should. Turn on your furnace and let it run for a while to check for any strange noises, odors, or issues with heating performance. If you notice any unusual signs, contact Bend Heating for professional maintenance and repairs to address the problem promptly and avoid potential breakdowns when you need your HVAC system the most.
When in Doubt, Opt for Professional Maintenance
While these DIY tips can help prepare your HVAC system for the seasonal transition, professional maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Bend Heating offers comprehensive HVAC maintenance plans designed to keep your system running smoothly throughout the year. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect, clean, and tune your system, ensuring maximum efficiency and comfort.
Need Flexible HVAC Financing?
When needed, we’re proud to offer flexible financing options through our trusted partner, Synchrony Bank. After a quick and easy application, you could be approved for financing with various interest-free repayment plans to fit your budget.
Transitioning Your HVAC System and More With Bend Heating
By following the tips above for transitioning your HVAC system from cooling to heating, you can ensure a warm and comfortable home during Central Oregon’s colder months. Just remember: the team at Bend Heating is here to help keep your system in top shape and address any issues before they become major problems.