Autumn is coming to an end here in Virginia, and old man winter is already knocking on the door. As you are pulling out your heavy coats and cozy sweaters, don’t forget that your HVAC system also needs to be ready for colder temperatures.

Here are some HVAC maintenance tips to get your system winter ready and keep those utility bills in check.

1. Change your air filter. Of all HVAC maintenance tips, this one is the easiest and most vital. The air filter plays an important role in keeping your home clean and comfortable. It keeps dust and debris out of your HVAC unit. It also filters the air in your home. Clogged filters decrease the efficiency of your unit, too. Follow the instructions for your system and replace the air filter on a regular basis. For a standard 1” air filter, this is at minimum quarterly, but can even be monthly depending on the environment. Some air filters are intended to last 6 months or more. If you are not sure how often your specific air filter needs to be changed, please give us a call at 804-481-6633. Replacing the air filter is easy and extends the life of your HVAC system.

2. Update your thermostat. The thermostat is the one part of the system you interact with on a regular basis. It is also the one part of the system that can severely alter your heating and cooling capabilities if it is out of date. It is not always a good idea to rely on old mercury thermostats. Use a digital thermometer or download an app on your smartphone that can gauge the temperature of the air coming from your system. Does that number reflect the temperature set on your thermostat? If not, you may want to consider upgrading to a digital programmable thermostat.Even if you have previously hesitated about the purchase of a programmable thermostat, it’s not too late to jump on the technology bandwagon.  Installation is a cinch, and the benefits are numerous. Energy bills are on the rise, and for every degree you raise or lower the temperature in your home, you may save up to two 2 percent on your utility bill. Program your new thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when you are away. You can have the temperature in your home follow your family routine. You can also control your HVAC unit with an app on your phone. You don’t even have to get out of bed to adjust the temperature. Give us a call if you are interested in upgrading your thermostat. Thermostats are not “one size fits all” and Mode can advise you on the best thermostat for your needs.

3. Clean your air ducts. When you turn on your furnace or heat pump, air cycles through the duct system and out your vents. If your ducts are partially clogged with dust and debris, the HVAC system has to work harder to force the air through the ducts. You can lose up to 20% of the air that moves through your home’s duct system due to leaks or duct issues. Getting your air ducts cleaned before the winter season keeps efficiency high and bills low. While Mode does not provide duct cleaning, we strongly suggest Southeast Clean Air Solutions to our customers.

4. Make certain your insulation is up to par. A well-insulated home is comfortable and efficient. Inspect your home for areas of deteriorating insulation, as well as weather stripping on doors and windows. Cold can enter the house through a drafty window or door. Make sure to check at the bottom of the door where cold air enters first. Upgrading your structure’s insulation and weather stripping is a small investment with a big payout.

5. Schedule inspections and preventative maintenance. Mode Comfort & Air Quality is your first call for scheduling HVAC preventative maintenance. The HVAC system is responsible for up to half of your home’s energy expense. Making sure your HVAC is running in top shape will save you energy and money. Your regular maintenance expenses can pay for themselves in the savings you get from lower energy usage. Don’t forget that an HVAC tune up extends the life of your HVAC system. During a preventative maintenance inspection, the experts at Mode Comfort & Air Quality can often spot problems before they become bigger. You don’t want to be without heat on the coldest day of the year. Let our HVAC professionals help prevent that from happening. Of course, even if it does, we’ll be there. Join our Fan Club today!

6. Consider an upgrade to your HVAC system. Have you crossed your fingers and hoped your HVAC would last just one more season? This may be the season to replace it. The average lifespan of a heat pump is 12-15 years and the average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, but advances in technology mean a system even ten years old may need an upgrade. A new HVAC system can reduce your annual energy bill up to 40%. Due to quickly rising equipment costs, if you are thinking about replacing your system, now is the time to do it,

These HVAC system tips will get you well on the way to a warm and comfortable winter season. You’ll want call in the experts for scheduled maintenance, repairs or replacement. Mode Comfort & Air Quality is the right company to provide the best HVAC service at the best price. We know you have many HVAC companies to choose from. At Mode Comfort & Air Quality, we’ve built our business on responding quickly, performing expertly, and giving the best personal service to each of our customers. For reliable HVAC service in Midlothian, Powhatan and Richmond, Virginia, call Mode Comfort & Air Quality today at 804-481-6633.