Preparing Your Franklin Home’s HVAC System for Winter

It may seem like an unfortunate coincidence, but it’s really a simple fact of life. No matter what kind of heating system your Franklin home uses, it’s most likely to break down during winter’s worst. The reason is just as simple. Whether you heat with a heat pump, a furnace, or a boiler, it’s going to work its hardest on the chilliest winter days. And, when equipment that’s already aging or is showing signs of problems gets pushed to its limits, that’s when it’s going to break down. So it’s important to make sure your home’s systems are in good shape for the winter. Here are the basic steps our heating and cooling professionals recommend:

Clean and check your heating system

Your furnace, heat pump, or boiler is at the heart of your heating system, so it’s essential to ensure it’s in good working condition. With gas or oil systems, inspect the combustion system and flame sensor for signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any, a professional can inspect and clean it. It’s also a good idea to use a vacuum to clean around the blower, motor, and other accessible components. If your home has a heat pump, use your hose to clean the outdoor unit to remove leaves, dirt, and debris that can interfere with its operation. Make sure the defrost cycle is functioning properly. You may also want to have someone check the refrigerant levels.

Make sure the thermostat is working

Your thermostat plays a crucial role in keeping the indoor temperature comfortable and making sure your system operates efficiently. Test the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly. If you’re still using an older mechanical thermostat, consider replacing it with one of today’s smart thermostats. These remarkably affordable devices will give you more control over how your Franklin home uses energy, with features like programmability and remote access through wi-fi so you can start warming the house up before you get there.

Look at ductwork and vents

Make sure vents and registers are clean and clear of any obstructions. Dust frequently accumulates on them, so be sure to vacuum them or brush them with a broom. Look for any gaps in your home’s ductwork so you can tape or otherwise seal them. No matter how small they may appear to be, those gaps can create leaks that can interfere with your comfort and drive your heating bills up. If your ductwork is uninsulated, consider wrapping it in the insulation made for that purpose.

Replace your filters

One of the best ways to keep your Franklin home’s heating and cooling system in great shape is regularly replacing the filters that keep dust and debris out of the air your system uses. Depending on the type of filter and how often your system runs, most filters need to be replaced every one to three months. If your home has a reusable filter or air cleaner, be sure to clean it at the recommended interval.

Schedule a professional tune-up and inspection

Many of the tasks involved in making sure your home’s heating and cooling functions well are easy for homeowners to do, but it’s possible that you might not notice problem areas. That’s why savvy Franklin homeowners schedule regular preventive maintenance and inspections before heating and cooling seasons. Affordable maintenance programs such as Johnson exclusive Comfort Club program make keeping your system operating well much easier.

Choose the right professionals

If you want to get the most reliable performance from your Franklin home’s heating and cooling system, reach out to the people your neighbors have trusted for years: Johnson Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. They’ll inspect and test your system and offer advice for getting the best performance from every heating dollar. Call them today to schedule an inspection or to learn more about their exclusive Comfort Club services to keep your home safe and comfortable all year ‘round!