Temperature decreases often lead to a utility bill increases. Many homeowners just accept this as a fact of their existence. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if we could share with you ways you can save money with proper heating system prep this winter? There are many measures that can be taken with the maintenance of your heating ventilation air conditioning system to prepare it for the winter. Preparing your HVAC for winter can cut your electricity usage, lower your bill, and extend the overall life of your HVAC system.
HVAC Services
Aside from just checking the heating duct, a quality HVAC contractor will also inspect the heating systems belts, motors, electrical switches, thermostats, and gas pressure to ensure that your HVAC system is well prepared for the frigid winter months. Midlothian Mechanical is one of the metro Richmond‘s largest heating and air conditioning service companies and one of a few offering a sophisticated computerized dispatch and maintenance management system. Don’t leave deficiencies to chance. Your wallet and your comfort depend on it! A full list of our HVAC services can be found here.
Heat Pump
When a home’s temperature is controlled using a heat pump, there are several steps that can be taken in order to prepare the heat pump for winter. The heat pump should be unobstructed so that air can circulate through it properly. Building a shelter or something to go to your heat pump, however, is not recommended. The manufacturer should make a special cover that is designed to ensure that no accumulated snow or ice falls on the heat pump fan to interfere with the air flowing through the pump. If ice forms on your heat pump, do not chip at it with a tool but instead just melt it with hot water so that the pump does not get damaged. In order for your heat pump to survive the winter, you should always properly maintain it. Having a professional check these conditions is always recommended!
HVAC Thermostat
A thermostat should be checked and up to date before the first frost. Older thermostats use mercury and that can be very inaccurate. If your thermostat uses batteries you should make sure that either the old ones in it are still good or that you just go ahead and put a new set in to ensure that your thermostat will work all winter. If you have a digital thermostat in your home it should be be programmed. You will be able to set your heat to cut on or cut off whenever you would like. This can greatly reduce the impact of your utility bill.
Duct Work
Heating ducts should be cleaned and inspected periodically to provide efficient heating and allow fresh clean air to flow through your home. The heating ducts should be routinely inspected to make sure that there are no punctures, dents, or disconnected parts. If your ducts are damaged it can cause that electricity bill to go up because warm air is being blown out and wasted. Often it takes a trained eye to see these concerns. Midlothian Mechanical, serving the greater Richmond region, can help!
Air Filters
You should always keep a check on your air filter as well. It is very important that you check your air filter regularly because if it were to become clogged it would interfere with the air flowing through it. It is recommended that you should replace your air filter every month to ensure the best efficiency. There are even filters that you can purchase that are reusable. They can just be rinsed off and reused like new. If you plan to change your filter monthly then a reusable filter might come in handy and save you a lot of money as well.
There’s no one else in Richmond, VA that you could call “Commercial HVAC & Residential Heating and Air Condition Installation, Service and Replacement Experts”…except Midlothian Mechanical, Your AC Doctor. Call us today or fill out the contact form and someone will return your inquiry promptly. Save money this winter with proper heating system prep. Save money with Midlothian!