5 Tips to Prepare your Furnace for Winter
Rodney Shephard • September 19, 2019
Cold weather is coming. Are you ready?
Heating and cooling is usually the largest expense
in the average American’s home because it accounts for half of a home’s energy use.
Of course, this only grows in the winter when we heat our homes. With winter approaching, no one wants their furnace to burn out. A cold home and a sky high maintenance bill does not make for a happy holiday season.
Your HVAC is the most crucial appliance in your house during the colder months,
so you want to make sure it will be ready to endure the upcoming season proficiently. In fact, furnaces are the most replaced system in households during the winter, resulting in high replacement fees for thousands of families.
Take note of these 5 easy preventative maintenance tips
for your furnace this winter, and save yourself the trouble of a cold home and an unwanted bill! Of course, any major maintenance needs to be handled by professionals, so leave any unfamiliar tasks up to the experts.
Air Filters
If you can’t remember the last time your HVAC air filters were replaced, it is probably time to replace them! Dirty air filters clog your furnace, drastically reduce its efficiency, and are the number one cause for a furnace breakdown. It is important to set a reminder in your yearly calendar to replace your HVAC air filters at least every 3 months unless your manufacturer states otherwise.
Check your HVAC owner’s manual to find the best type of air filter to purchase for your system because every filter is a different shape and size. After you’ve found the type you need to buy, many brands have special versions of filters that deal best with certain levels of dirt.
We recommend selecting a brand with a 7 or higher MERV rating.
MERV is the rating that determines how many dust particles or contaminants can pass through filters. You don't always want to go with the highest rating because it could reduce air flow to your system. Talk to a professional
to see what is recommended for your system. Make sure to stock up on air filters during the winter months, and turn off your HVAC before performing any variation of maintenance.
Even if you replace your HVAC air filters when they need to be, it’s important to check on the cleanliness of the filters every 30 days or so.
This quick inspection can save you a total HVAC replacement in the long run. If your filters are certified washable by your owner’s manual, get the most out of the life of your air filters, and take a minute or two to wash them every so often. This could be done after your monthly assessment of their overall cleanliness.
Moisture
While it is still warm outside, a clear indication of your furnace operating improperly is extra moisture in your home, and too much moisture can cause mold.
One common place for excess moisture in your house to accumulate is on the windows of your house, usually in the form of condensation or fog. Another sign of excess humidity is if the air in your house feels moist, or a section of your house is damp. A musty smell can also indicate excess moisture from your HVAC.
Examine your windows for any signs of moisture, and call in maintenance right away upon noticing any. A professional HVAC technician can install a direct HVAC dehumidifier
to combat the extra moisture it is producing.
Feeling itchy in the winter? As winter comes into full swing, and you notice your dry skin worsening, there is probably not enough moisture in your home. Take the time to consult an HVAC technician to install a humidifier. This will add moisture to your air and increase its running efficiency. Overall, it’s much more convenient to add simple modifications to your HVAC to ensure its capabilities than to overwork the system until it burns out completely.
Vents
It is important to leave vents and registers in your house uncovered. Closing air conditioning vents can lead to increased pressure or leaks in your air ducts, airflow complications, frozen evaporator coils, dead compressors, cracked heat exchangers, or extra humidity, among other complications.
Check for any rugs or furniture blocking your vents and make sure to uncover them.
Many people assume closing an air vent will make your HVAC stop producing heated or cooled air to send to that room, but this is false. Your HVAC is not cognizant of a closed vent and will continue to work at its standard pace. In this situation, it is best to turn off your HVAC to prevent increased air pressure in your air ducts.
While you are checking for any covered vents, grab a duster and clean any surrounding dust near the vents. You do not want the dirt and dust circulating throughout your home, or piling up in your air ducts.
To clean your vents, turn off your HVAC system. Unscrew the vent, and take a brush through the gates of the vent. Use a vacuum to remove the dirt inside the air duct.
Test Runs
There is nothing worse than transitioning into the cold winter and realizing your HVAC will not be able to keep up. Summer is such a long time to stay idle, so there are many problems that can develop in the flue or ventilation systems. We recommend running your furnace around 3 times
before the cold hits.
This is usually a good indication of how your furnace will fare in the upcoming winter.
If there seems to be a problem with your furnace as you start conditioning it towards the middle of fall, consult an HVAC technician.
Yearly Check Up
A furnace deals with elements a homeowner should not have to, like carbon monoxide and natural gas. In fact, furnaces enclose an internal flame, which should be checked by a licensed professional once per year to ensure its safety and efficiency as 56,000 home fires per year are caused by HVAC systems. Your certified HVAC technician
can even clean your furnace, leaving you with little to no maintenance left, and cleaner air.
A professional tune-up
will increase your HVAC’s overall efficiency and prolong its life span. Not to mention, your energy bills can really plummet in the wintertime if your HVAC is taken proper care of.
Whatever preventative maintenance your home furnace might need, we
are here to help! Call or schedule a free consultation today.
As the summer season unfolds, the allure of vibrant sunsets and warm breezes invites us to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're looking to entertain guests, enjoy quiet evenings with family, or simply upgrade your home's curb appeal, now is the perfect time to enhance your outdoor living spaces. At Shephard Services, we specialize in turning your backyard into a personal oasis. Here are some essential services we offer to help you make the most of your home exterior this summer: 1. Decking Solutions A well-designed deck not only adds value to your home but also extends your living space into the outdoors. Our team at Shephard Services provides customized decking solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. From initial design to final installation, we ensure that your deck is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of wood or the durability of composite materials, we have the expertise to create your perfect outdoor gathering place. 2. Professional Exterior Painting Give your home a facelift with our professional exterior painting services. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve your home's appearance and protect it from the elements. Our color consultants can help you choose the perfect shade that complements your home’s style and your personal taste. Using only the highest quality paints and techniques, our skilled painters will provide a seamless, long-lasting finish that will make your home stand out in the neighborhood. 3. Outdoor Electrical Installations Elevate your outdoor spaces with sophisticated electrical installations. Whether you’re looking to install ambient lighting for those cozy evening gatherings or need a full setup for an outdoor entertainment system, our certified electricians are equipped to handle all your needs. From garden lights to weatherproof sound systems and outdoor projectors, we ensure that your electrical installations are safe, efficient, and perfectly aligned with your outdoor living goals. 4. Comprehensive Landscape Lighting Landscape lighting can transform your outdoor area into a magical space that is inviting and safe. Strategic lighting not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also increases the security of your property. Our experts will work with you to design a lighting plan that highlights the best features of your landscape, improves functionality, and creates the ambiance you desire for your outdoor living space. 5. Custom Outdoor Entertainment Areas Imagine watching movies under the stars or enjoying your favorite sports with friends and family in the comfort of your backyard. We specialize in creating custom outdoor entertainment areas that fit your unique needs. From built-in BBQs to fire pits and audio-visual systems, we can integrate all the elements you need for the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience. Ready to Upgrade? At Shephard Services, we are committed to helping you enhance your outdoor living spaces with quality, precision, and a touch of creativity. With our expertise in decking, painting, electrical installations, and more, we are your go-to team for transforming your home's exterior into your new favorite place to relax and entertain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your summer outdoor upgrades. Let’s make this season unforgettable with a home exterior that’s as welcoming and vibrant as the summer itself!
As the brisk winds of winter gradually give way to the gentle breezes of spring, many homeowners begin to turn their attention to their indoor comfort needs for the upcoming seasons. In Posey County, Indiana, where the transition between seasons can bring about significant changes in weather, ensuring that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is up to par is crucial. Shephard Services, a leading contractor in the area, believes that now is the ideal time to invest in a new HVAC system for several compelling reasons. Beat the Rush and Enjoy Early Installation One of the foremost reasons to consider updating your HVAC system in March is to beat the seasonal rush. As temperatures rise, so does the demand for HVAC services. By choosing to invest in a new system now, you can avoid the peak season's longer wait times for installation. Early installation ensures your home is prepared for the warmer months ahead, providing you with peace of mind and the comfort of a reliable and efficient cooling system when you need it most. Take Advantage of Off-season Pricing and Promotions March is also a period when homeowners can benefit from off-season pricing and promotions. HVAC contractors like Shephard Services often offer special deals and financing options during this time to encourage early purchases. Investing in a new system now can lead to significant savings compared to peak season prices. These promotions not only make upgrading more affordable but also offer an excellent return on investment through enhanced energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Improved Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills Speaking of efficiency, modern HVAC systems are designed with the latest technology to provide superior energy efficiency compared to older units. With advancements in technology, new systems operate more quietly and effectively, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home while using less energy. This leap in efficiency can translate to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills, making March an opportune time to upgrade. Shephard Services can help you select the perfect system that balances performance with energy savings, tailored to the unique needs of your Posey County home. Prepare for the Allergy Season For many, the arrival of spring is synonymous with the onset of allergy season. Upgrading your HVAC system in March can significantly improve your home's air quality, making it a healthier environment for those who suffer from allergies. Modern systems come equipped with advanced filtration options that can reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and other allergens circulating in your home. Investing in a new HVAC system now means you can enjoy a fresher indoor air quality by the time allergy season reaches its peak. Enjoying the Full Benefit of Warranty Coverage Purchasing a new HVAC system earlier in the year ensures that you enjoy the full benefit of warranty coverage during the months you need it most. In the unlikely event that issues arise during the high-demand summer months, having a new system with a comprehensive warranty means you'll have access to prompt, covered repairs. Shephard Services offers products with robust warranties and stands by their installation work, providing added assurance to homeowners. Customized Solutions for Your Home Every home in Posey County has its unique needs when it comes to heating and cooling. The expert team at Shephard Services prides itself on providing customized HVAC solutions that cater to the specific requirements of each customer. By choosing to upgrade your system in the spring, you allow ample time for a thorough assessment of your home's layout, insulation, and existing ductwork. This careful planning ensures that the installed system operates at peak efficiency, delivering comfort to every corner of your home. In Conclusion... Springtime presents an unparalleled opportunity for homeowners in Posey County, Indiana, to enhance their living comfort while saving money and contributing to a healthier environment. By upgrading to a new HVAC system with Shephard Services, you can enjoy the benefits of advanced technology, improved air quality, and energy efficiency before the heat of summer sets in. Don't wait until the rush of peak season; take advantage of the numerous benefits that come with early investment in your home's comfort. Contact Shephard Services today to find out more about their special March promotions and how they can help you select the perfect HVAC system for your home.
The Importance of Spring Cleaning and Maintenance
