As the golden haze of summer gives way to crisp mornings and the first hints of color, there’s no denying that autumn is on the horizon. It’s time to make sure your Bowling Green area home is ready to keep you warm when the temperatures drop. Lucky for you, Tin Man Heating & Cooling is here to help you shift your focus indoors and prepare your heating system for cooler temperatures. Read on to find out how you can give your home the edge when it comes to winter warmth.
1. Change the air filter
This might be the easiest task on the list. If your heating system relies on forced air, it also includes an air filter that is the first line of defense against dirt, debris and other irritants trying to get inside your home. The filter can do a decent job trapping those invaders, but a clogged filter will force your heating system to work harder, putting an unnecessary strain on the system and sending your energy bills soaring. Give your system a fresh start this fall with a new, fresh air filter. Remember, air filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s directions, usually every one to three months. If you’re not sure, your Tin Man Heating & Cooling technician can help.
2. Check the area around your outdoor unit
If you are relying on a heat pump, you’ll want to make sure your outdoor unit is clean and unencumbered. Remove any leaves, dirt, and other debris. Clear away any vegetation and ensure there is at least two feet of clearance around the unit for proper airflow. This is also a good time to clean the area around your outdoor AC unit before you turn it off for a long winter nap.
3. Test the thermostat
Are you someone who refuses to turn on the heat before a certain date? No judgment here, but we still recommend giving the thermostat a test run before you need the warm air. Switch your thermostat from “cool” to “heat” and set the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. This will ensure your heating system kicks on and is working properly before you truly need it.
4. Inspect your ductwork for leaks
Your home’s ductwork is like its circulatory system, a network of hidden tunnels that carry warm and cool air to every room. If one or more ducts are collapsed, pinched or broken, you’re asking your system to work harder to heat the air in your Bowling Green area home. Grab your flashlight and check any accessible ductwork in your attic, basement or crawl space. Look for tears, holes or caps. Place your hands near duct seams or connections to see if you notice air movement – that could signal a leak. Take a moment to also remove the air vent covers in your home and vacuum any pet air or dust that has accumulated near the opening. If you’re noticing any problems, reach out to Tin Man for a thorough duct inspection. We can also manage the dirty work, thoroughly cleaning the ductwork and looking for any potential problems.
5. Book your fall heating system tune-up now!
Regular maintenance is the most important thing you can do to ensure your home comfort system is working efficiently in any weather. A lot can happen in the year that has gone by since you had your last tune-up. Tin Man’s annual heating system tune-ups let professional technicians take a closer look at what’s going on behind the scenes. We’ll give the system a thorough inspection, cleaning the moving parts and looking for small problems before they become expensive fixes. Investing in maintenance is not only financially savvy, it also can be energy efficient. A well-maintained system works better and uses less energy than one that is dirty or under stress. Tin Man even offers a Planned Maintenance Program that keeps you on top of the maintenance schedule and offers additional discounts on repair services.
Cold weather will be here before you know it. Give your heating system some TLC now to make sure it keeps you warm during those frigid winter temperatures. Call Tin Man Heating & Cooling now at 419.827.5799 to schedule your fall tune-up. Tin Man has been your go-to heating expert for the Bowling Green and Findlay area for more than 37 years, and we hope to continue serving you for years to come.