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It is crucial to prepare your furnace or heater for cold weather. You will want to ensure your home is protected, even if you live in an area that rarely experiences snowfall in winter.

Individuals that run their air conditioning the whole year round and barely access their heating system are more likely to miss a problem with their heaters or furnaces. Unfortunately, heater systems or furnace repairs or replacements can be expensive.

Here are the top five maintenance tips to ensure your HVAC system doesn’t demand a replacement or costly repairs during the winter:

• Insure properly sized air ducts and change your air filters: Among the main reasons your HVAC system breaks down is the accumulation of dust and dirt in the filtering system. That’s why you should check the HVAC now to determine if it needs cleaning or replacement. You can refer to your HVAC system’s manual to see where the filters are. To be on the safe side, ensure you have a backup filter at all times.

Also, make sure the air vents in your home are properly installed and sized.. Dirt and dust in the air vents can cause ventilation blockages and poor airflow. Undersized air ducts can cause premature failure to the heating system. In turn, this may make your home uncomfortable and inhabitable during the winter.

• Check for leaks: Another thing that is likely to cause your HVAC system’s inefficiency is leakage. Your air conditioning/Heating system can develop leaks due to several factors, including poor maintenance and age, poor installation.

You can identify leaks in the system in various ways, with the most common one being dirt and debris around the registers or vents in each room, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional HVAC service provider for better results. They’ll identify even the tiniest leaks and other underlying issues with your air conditioner.

• Check your thermostat: If your furnace or heater suddenly stops functioning and your home’s power is not to blame, you should check your thermostat. Some thermostats run on batteries, which may run out of power. In such an instance, replacing the batteries will be vital in preparing you for the winter.

Also, dirt and dust may affect the thermostat, making the air conditioner take time to start or function properly. Working with a professional HVAC technician can help you identify a problem with your thermostat.

• Check and clean the condenser coil: The condenser coil is a crucial part of the HVAC unit. They release warm air into the room, heating it. When the condenser coil is in bad condition, the HVAC system will be ineffective for your home in winter. That’s why you should check them for dust, ice, dust, and faults.

If the condenser coils are covered with ice or are dirty, wipe them with a rag and warm water. If you notice any damage, you may want to approach a professional AC repair firm in your area to have it fixed. Specifically, you should approach a firm with the right HVAC maintenance plan.

• Schedule a maintenance appointment with your HVAC technician: Perhaps the best thing to do to ensure your home is warm during winter is to schedule a maintenance appointment with your HVAC technician. The best time to prepare for maintenance is during shoulder seasons – fall and spring. This is when your furnace or AC is needed the least.

Scheduling a bi-annual or annual checkup with your HVAC technician of choice can ensure you’re ready for winter. You can do the basics like checking for abnormal noises, unusual odor, or studying for the apparent leaks in the ductwork before the professional arrives.