HVAC Maintenance After the Holidays
During the busy holiday season, there is a lot going on in your home. Family members are coming and going, the kitchen gets busier, and often, more people are in your space. All this activity can put extra stress on your HVAC system. Now that the holiday season is behind us, it’s a great time to do some HVAC post-holiday maintenance.
Check (and clean/change) your air filter
Your air filter should be cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months, depending on how much use your furnace is getting. Especially with more people in the house, and maybe even more pets, it is a good time to check the filter to see if it needs to be maintained. Keeping your air filter clear of dust and debris not only affects your air quality, but the longevity of your unit.
Check your registers
With all the added activity, heat registers can easily become blocked, whether it is by shuffled furniture, new gifts, or even a Christmas decoration or tree. Give your vents a good vacuuming and wipe down the grilles to ensure they aren’t blowing dust back into your living space. Make sure all the duct dampers are open to allow for proper airflow.
Check for cold air leaks
With all the extra activity the holidays bring, seals around doors or windows that have been opened and closed frequently can start to be problematic. You can use a lighted incense stick or candle to pass around doors and windows to see if there is cold air blowing in. You can add temporary fixes to prevent cold air from coming in (and warm air from escaping) but you will also want to schedule some professional maintenance to help deal with the broken seals.
Do a visual check of your system
A busy house can put extra strain on your furnace system, so it’s good to give it a visual (and auditory) check to see if it is still working properly. Make sure nothing was placed around the furnace or hot water heater, and that there are no obvious leaks or unusual noises. Check your thermometer (presets might need to be adjusted if you are back at work after time off) and make sure your furnace comes on when it should.
The holidays can be a wonderful time to enjoy your home. With a little attention, you can make sure it is ready to host your next event comfortably.