5 HVAC Tips to Prepare Your Rhode Island Home for Winter

5 HVAC Tips to Prepare Your Rhode Island Home for Winter

When the weather turns cold in Rhode Island, you need a reliable HVAC that keeps your house warm on demand. The good news is you don’t need to spend a bundle or know the ins and outs of your HVAC to take proactive care of your system. The team at Martel Plumbing & Heating is here for all of your HVAC service in Lincoln, RI, and the surrounding area. We also have insights on how you can prepare your own system for a warm and hassle-free winter. 

1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

Preventative HVAC maintenance in Rhode Island is key to creating a reliable and efficient system. Use Fall as an opportunity to schedule an HVAC tune-up. The team at Martel Plumbing and Heating will come out to look over your system, check the components, lubricate the moving parts, change the filters, run tests, and make adjustments that improve performance and reduce breakdown risks. If there’s any issue going on, we’ll also resolve them as quickly as possible to avoid a full-blown repair or emergency service. 

2. Change Your Air Filters

Changing out your air filter regularly makes a significant impact on the efficiency of your HVAC. When your filter is clogged, it restricts airflow, forces your HVAC to work harder, raises your energy bills, and diminishes the indoor air quality of your home. In extreme cases, it can even shut down your system and lead to costly repairs. 

We recommend changing your air filters every one to three months, especially during the winter months when your HVAC is working overtime. A filter change is straightforward, but if you’ve never done it before and aren’t confident about the process, give us a call! We’ll schedule a regular HVAC maintenance call and can show you how it’s done in between working on your system.

3. Seal Up the Gaps in Your Home

Drafty windows, doors, and poorly insulated attics are all counterproductive to keeping your home warm. Use draft guards or caulk to seal any gaps and areas that are letting the cold air trickle inside. You’ll reduce the strain on your HVAC while saving on energy costs. 

Remember, warm air can also escape from areas you can’t see. It’s a good idea to schedule an HVAC ductwork inspection. Even microscopic leaks in your ductwork can let warm air escape, reduce your system’s efficiency, and increase your heating costs. The HVAC specialists at Martel’s are trained to detect and repair even the smallest leaks to maximize the efficiency of your system.

4. Test Your Thermostat

Your thermostat serves as the go-to control center for your HVAC system. Check that the settings are set correctly and it’s warming up to your desired temperatures. You can take a thermometer and see if it’s close to the settings of your thermostat. If you’re having trouble, try resetting the thermostat and swapping out any batteries. 

Fall is also the ideal time to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to gain better control over your home’s temperature settings, especially if you plan to travel during the holidays. Martel Plumbing & Heating can guide you through the process of choosing a smart thermostat, installing it, and going over how it works so you have more control over your heating and minimize energy waste. 

5. Keep Your System Area Clear

Clutter, dust, and debris around the inside and outside of your HVAC unit can diminish its efficiency. Move away boxes, furniture, and other objects from your indoor unit to clear obstructions that can lead to poor performance and potential hazards. It’s also wise to check that your outdoor unit is free from leaves, branches, patio furniture, twigs, and anything else that can block the airflow. Make sure to give your HVAC a quick inspection once a month or after a storm to ensure nothing is obstructing your system.

Call Martel Plumbing & Heating for All of Your HVAC Service Needs

These simple steps can make a big difference in how warm your home is and even lower your energy bills. Get your system ready for winter with HVAC maintenance in Lincoln RI, to maximize your heart’s efficiency. The team at Martel Plumbing & Heating is always here to keep your HVAC working reliably, from maintenance to repairs and new installations. Schedule your appointment today for a worry-free winter!