Before it gets extremely cold outside, it is important that homeowners take the time to ensure that their HVAC system is up to par. After all, having your heater break down when it’s freezing will not only make you and your loved ones feel uncomfortable, but the repairs might be very expensive! Therefore, to help avoid having to sit at home and wait for technicians to arrive to make repairs (or sleeping under a mountain of blankets one night) schedule a maintenance check for your HVAC system.

If you were wondering what components of your system our HVAC contractors check to help guarantee that it is/will work efficiently, and that you can also check on your own, consider these:

The Thermostat.

Although this appears to be a tiny component of your HVAC system, a problem with your thermostat could lead to big issues. While it can be very difficult to determine if a malfunctioning thermostat is the reason your unit is not working correctly, some signs that it might be causing the issues are if the heat is not being properly distributed throughout your home, or if the temperature in your home is not what you programmed it to be.

The Air Filter.

When was the last time you checked or changed your HVAC system’s air filter? Well, if you didn’t know you were supposed to do that AT ALL, doing this is now your priority. If your unit’s air filter has not been checked or changed since your unit was installed, it is likely that dirty air is circulating throughout your home. Even worse, having a dirty air filter will eventually cause your unit to malfunction because it could cause pressure to build up in your system. So, if you notice the air is musty, and you cannot recall the last time you changed your filter, it’s time stop whatever you are doing and change it now.

The Vents.

As the years go by, it isn’t unusual for you to forget where your heating vents are, and it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to block them with new furniture. But, if you notice that one room is warmer than the other, it might be because your vents are obstructed. Although this problem doesn’t sound like a big one, if the air is truly having a hard time heating up rooms, your system will turn on and off more often, which could eventually cause it to malfunction.

In the end, if you neglect to give your HVAC system some annual maintenance, you may find it breaking down one cold night in late December or January. However, if you give it some attention, there is a greater chance that it will be there for you when the temperatures are at their lowest!