Is your HVAC system ready for winter in Boston?
Long-range winter weather forecasts are always a challenge for meteorologists. Weather experts predict slightly above or near average temperatures in Boston for December with January at or slightly below average. As the temperature gets cooler, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system become the most valuable equipment in your home. That means you want to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the cold now before it becomes far more difficult to address any problems.
- First of all, consider replacing your HVAC system. Heating systems that are more than 10 years old are only 40-60 % efficient.
- Run your HVAC unit and keep an ear out for about an hour. Now is the time to catch any odd noises. You don’t want to turn your furnace on the first really cold day only to find out that the furnace isn’t working anymore.
- Go around and check your air filter and vents. The filter should be checked every month and replaced if it is dirty. Filters should be replaced at the very least before the heating season – no matter what.
- Cover the A/C: As soon as the weather feels chilly, place a cover over the A/C unit to protect it from debris. If you have a portable unit, place it in a dry, sheltered area.
- Make sure you have a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat lets you customize the heating of your home to your needs, ensuring the heat running about 30 minutes before you wake up.
The most important thing you can do to prepare for a heating season in Boston is to schedule preventative maintenance with Lowe’s air duct at 617-500-9855. If you didn’t have a heating system inspection done in the fall, now is the time to do it. We can make sure that everything is in working order and running as efficiently as possible.
