It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Metroplex. That means it’s time to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
Here in Texas, where winter can sometimes surprise us with harsh elements, your HVAC system must be ready. It’s not just about convenience—it’s a necessity.
Here at A/C Rescue, we want to make sure our customers are ready when the “real” cold hits. So, we’ve put together some essential steps to ensure your home and HVAC system are fully prepared for the winter ahead.
Prepare Your Thermostat
First thing’s first… you should take a moment to transition your thermostat from its summer settings to its winter responsibilities. This easy task requires nothing more than setting your thermostat a few degrees above room temperature and listening for the reassuring hum of your furnace.
You know you’re all good if you feel the warm air coming out of the vents (and you smell that familiar odor of reviving a dormant heater). However, if your system fails to respond, give us a call, and we’ll schedule a time to come check it out!
Ceiling Fan Flip
Did you know that your ceiling fans have two distinct settings—one for summer and one for winter? A simple yet effective adjustment can reverse your fan’s direction to create an updraft, circulating warm air and reducing the strain on your heating system.
This step can significantly impact your comfort and energy efficiency during winter.
Cover It Up
While the DFW area doesn’t usually experience heavy snowfall, a cover for your outdoor AC unit offers valuable protection against the elements. You can extend your unit’s lifespan by protecting it from the damp, cold air.
Just make sure you shut off the power to the unit so that an unseasonably warm day doesn’t cause it to kick on.
Check Your Air Filter
We know that homeowners often forget about their HVAC air filters… but we cannot stress enough the importance of this seemingly insignificant item.
Many experts say you should change your filter at least every three months. Here at A/C Rescue, we feel you should change it monthly… especially if you have allergy sufferers or pets living in your home.
Don’t skip this essential step. It will help your HVAC run more efficiently and promote a healthier environment this winter.
The Fall Tune-Up
Before winter sets in, you should have us out to do a quick tune-up on your furnace. We can ensure it’s in tip-top shape, ready to keep you warm and cozy all season.
If you have any unexpected issues going on, we’ll find them and fix them before they have a chance to develop into more expensive problems.
Ducts in a Row
Your home’s air ducts are the corridors that distribute warm air from the furnace to your rooms. As your home ages, your ductwork may deteriorate, leading to hidden flaws such as punctures, dust accumulation, or the dangerous threat of mold.
Give A/C Rescue a call, and we will come out to perform a professional inspection. Once we finish, you can rest easy that no duct issues are interfering with your furnace’s ability to keep the warmth flowing through your home.
The Silent Threat
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause real health problems if it seeps into your home.
Since you can never be too careful when dealing with carbon monoxide, we recommend that our customers install carbon monoxide detectors. CO detectors will alert you to rising levels of this poisonous gas before anyone gets sick.
If you have a fireplace, your chimney can be a source of carbon in your home. An annual chimney inspection is more than just a precaution. It’s your best defense against the silent accumulation of harmful substances.
Protecting Your Home’s Warmth
If your attic feels more like the outside air than the inside, it’s probably time to look into potential problems with your insulation.
Proper insulation isn’t just about comfort; it’s about energy conservation. Here at A/C Rescue, we recommend having an R-value of 49 in your attic to keep your warm air downstairs where it belongs.
If your attic’s insulation is over a decade old or you feel it isn’t doing its job, call us. We’ll guide you in determining the necessary upgrades to prevent your heated air from escaping.
Dress Rehearsal
It’s already November, so before it gets any colder, we recommend you give your heating system a quick test.
Turn on your furnace to full blast and confirm that everything is working the way it should be. When the cold sets in, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind this provides.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the cold catch you off guard. As the air outside becomes crisp and cold, let it remind you of the warmth you want to preserve within your home’s walls.
Contact A/C Rescue today at (972) 278-6800, and allow our expert technicians to help you secure the comfort of your home before winter takes center stage. With our guidance, you can conquer the cold and enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter season.