Have You Taken These Steps Toward Winter Comfort?

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John Pilot • Dec 02, 2020

Have You Taken These Steps Toward Winter Comfort?

Winters in Michigan are more harsh than those in any other state in the country (maybe except for Minnesota, and that’s a big “maybe”). Especially in metropolitan Sterling Heights near icy Lake Erie, Michigan winters are known for frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and frozen roadways. In other words, a Michigan winter is a great reason to stay inside.

We rely on our home heating systems to get us through the winter. It’s wise to take a few pre-winter steps to ensure your HVAC system is in optimal shape to avoid breakdowns and extensive repairs. Here are a few suggestions from the Thermal Pros’ heating experts.

Tips for heating maintenance in Sterling Heights MI

Replace your HVAC filter. HVAC filters should be changed frequently, at least once every calendar season. It’s especially important to do so before winter, as autumn often brings allergens, dust, dirt, and other pollutants to your filter. Replace your HVAC filter around the first day of winter. Stock up with an extra filter or two in case an exceptionally cold winter makes you increase your heater usage.

Clean up the heater area, vents, and registers. There shouldn’t be any objects on or near your main heater unit, as furniture, boxes, and other items pose a fire hazard. Clear them away. Also, give your AC vents and registers a routine dusting, as they too collect excessive dust and dander throughout the season. Make sure the vents are all the way open and air pathways are free of obstructing objects and substances.

Test your thermostat. Whether you have a programmable, electronic thermostat or a more hands-on, old-fashioned one, check to make sure it’s working properly. Switch the mode from cooling to heating, and program the thermostat to be a degree or two warmer than the current room temperature. You should hear it whir to life within a minute or two and feel the room getting warmer. If it doesn’t, contact us for service.

Cover up your outside condenser. HVAC systems that don’t employ heat pumps typically use condensers outside the home. This means they’re exposed to freezing winter temperatures and the risk of falling icicles. Use a large trash can lid and some bungee rope to cover up your condenser, or place a stiff wooden board over the top and weigh it down with bricks. Don’t wrap the whole condenser up in a plastic tarp, as it will collect moisture.

Schedule heating maintenance in Sterling Heights MI from Thermal Pros

When it comes to the inner workings of your HVAC unit, don't take the unnecessary risk of fixing them yourself. The experts at Thermal Pros will prepare your home for the upcoming season with our services for heating maintenance in Sterling Heights MI, including: