In Connecticut, the winter season is rapidly approaching. With temperatures dropping to the low 20s and even early snowfall in some parts of the state, now is the time to make sure that your home is prepared for the winter. The most important component of a home in the winter is an HVAC system. Without proper care and maintenance, your HVAC system could give out leaving you and your family cold.

Luckily, Total Mechanical Systems is here for you. We want to keep you informed on how to care for your system and prevent any issues. If issues do occur, we’re here to fix them!

Regular preventative maintenance, performed twice a year, should assist your system in keeping up with seasonal temperature swings. It can also increase HVAC performance and help you avoid emergency repairs. Most newer heating systems require little maintenance but, a quick tune-up may greatly extend the life of your HVAC system ensuring it will run at peak efficiency.

Let’s go over a few ways you should be preparing your HVAC system for winter.

Power down

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance; wait for the blower to stop.

Replace filters

Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

Run a sound check

Turn your unit on, and check for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic checklist rundown you discover any unusual noises, excess moisture or other signs your unit is not functioning properly, contact Total Mechanical Systems. Our technician will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to regular pre-season maintenance. This will ensure that all parts are cleaned, drained and lubricated, and all assembly and burner controls are working correctly. A thorough inspection will also verify that the heat exchanger is doing its job and the flue system is free of cracks and corrosion.

Once maintenance is complete and your system is running at peak capacity, you can relax in the comfort of knowing your system will provide ample and consistent heat throughout the season.