5 Tips for Efficient Winter HVAC in Portland

Winter is not the time to figure out that your HVAC isn’t working as well as it could be. Though winters in Portland may be generally mild, it’s nice to have the reassurance that if the temperature goes down outside, your home will be well heated.

Not only do you want your HVAC system to create the desired result, but you also want it to be doing so with the least amount of effort. If there’s an underlying issue within your home or HVAC, your system might be working twice as hard as it needs to in order to meet basic heating and cooling needs. The extra work can decrease the life of your system, as well as lead to unnecessary increases in your energy bills.

Watts Heating and Cooling has seen what a difference an efficient HVAC can make in the winter. Whether it’s by investing in a completely new system or making a few tweaks to your old one, you could be well on your way to an efficient winter with your HVAC. These five tips will keep your home warm while not overworking your HVAC.

Change Your Air Filters

The filter in your HVAC catches all of the dirt and debris from the air. When doing its job correctly, the filter could eventually become overwhelmed by that debris, which limits the airflow for the HVAC. If your system has to work harder to push through the debris blocking the filter, there’s a greater chance of it having a bigger issue later on, due to stress on the system.

Not only does this create a problem within your HVAC, but it also causes a problem for the air quality in your home. People often spend most of their time indoors during the winter, which means they’re breathing in more air inside the home. A dirty filter increases the chances of dust, mold, and dander being recycled through the filter and back into the air you breathe.

If you want your HVAC to be more efficient this winter, you’re going to want to change your filters regularly. When you see a thick layer of dirt on your filter, it’s definitely time to change or clean it. If you have a temporary filter, keep back-up filters on hand so you always have the option of switching it out. And if you have a reusable filter, be sure to clean it thoroughly and let it air dry completely before putting it back in. Inserting a wet filter is known to create mold, which no one wants in their air.

Get Your System Inspected Before Winter

One of the best ways to have an efficient HVAC unit during a Portland winter is to have your system inspected beforehand. An HVAC technician can do an assessment of your HVAC’s efficiency before the winter season and ensure everything is running smoothly.

This is a great option for people who aren’t comfortable or familiar with finding duct leaks or knowing when to change a filter. When a professional, like someone at Watts Heating and Cooling, comes to inspect your unit, they can tell you exactly what needs to be fixed in order to have a comfortable winter.

Seal Your Ducts

As your HVAC system runs, air is pushed out through the ducts. But, sometimes, a leak or crack in your ducts will allow that air to slip out before it reaches its destination. These duct leaks may not seem like they’re causing an issue with the HVAC, but your system will be trying to make up for the air that it’s losing through the ducts, making it less efficient.

That’s why it’s important to have your ducts checked and sealed, especially before winter.

Another option for people who don’t want to deal with ducts is to invest in a ductless system. This is a great option for smaller or individual room heating. With ductless options that include high SEER and HSPF ratings, Watts Heating and Cooling can find you a duct-free air system that will be an asset to your home in the winter.

Schedule Preventative Maintenance

Just like a car, your HVAC system benefits from occasional maintenance. Having maintenance performed, such as tightening electrical connections, measuring voltage, and lubricating moving parts, can make a big difference down the road. This is a great way to be sure that your HVAC system will have an efficient winter.

Watts Heating and Cooling offers preventive maintenance that reduces utility bills, provides longer-lasting equipment, reduces repairs, and protects your investment. Some people prefer to address maintenance issues as they arise, and others like to tackle them before they get the chance to be a problem. Preventative maintenance will give you peace of mind as the temperature begins to drop outside.

Invest in a More Efficient System

Depending on how old your system is, even the most helpful tips won’t be able to help you heat and cool your home at maximum efficiency. When your system isn’t providing you with your desired results each season, it may be time to look into investing in a newer, more efficient HVAC system.

When looking for a new HVAC system in Portland, make sure you talk to a professional. They’ll be able to listen to what you want out of a new system and help you make an informed decision based on their expertise. A more efficient HVAC system can help you heat and cool your home with a lot less work. It can also help you lower your energy and utility bills.

Having an HVAC system work to its full capacity without using too much energy is the goal. These few tips will keep your HVAC unit working well through the sometimes-harsh winter months. If you’re interested in having maintenance performed or your system or replacing your system altogether, Watts Heating and Cooling can assist you.