As another hot summer comes to a close, homeowners throughout the St. Louis area will be preparing themselves for the chill of the Midwest winter. Air conditioning units will take a break and heating units like furnaces will be tagged in. During this time of year, there are some important things to consider as you switch over from air conditioning to heating in your home.
Your Air Conditioner and Heater Share Many of the Same Components
These days, most air conditioning and heating systems share parts – for example, your air conditioner and furnace both use the same filtration system, air handler, ductwork, and thermostat. If you have been having any issues with these parts during the summer, you are going to continue to have them during the winter. This leads us to our next point.
Before Switching from Air Conditioning to Heating, a Furnace Inspection is Highly Recommended
Aside from the shared parts that get some wear and tear during the summer, there are many parts that only your furnace uses. These parts are generally not inspected in the summer along with your air conditioning, so we recommend you have an expert come out and look at your heating system. An inspection and tune-up will ensure that everything is running at maximum efficiency and prevent you from needing inconvenient and costly repairs during the winter.
Other Considerations When Switching from Air Conditioning to Heating
Consider a Whole House Humidifier – Unlike in the summer, low humidity can be an issue during the drier cold months. Aside from being detrimental to your health, low humidity can also damage your home. A whole house humidifier can help level out the humidity during the heating months.
Safety Should Be a Concern – To provide all of that wonderful heating during the winter, many furnaces burn natural gas. When your furnace is properly maintained and in working order, you have nothing to worry about! However, it is possible to develop problems such as carbon monoxide leaks and other fire hazards.
Remember That Heat Rises – Heat naturally rises, so when it comes out of your vents, it starts to move up, up, and away. An easy way to maintain heating efficiency is to run your ceiling fans in reverse, which will help to bring the heat back down towards you.
Your Air Conditioning Is Still Outdoors – Even though your furnace is inside, your air conditioning is still exposed to the elements during the winter. Do not forget about it! Try your best to protect it from the dirt, debris, and snow that could accumulate and cause damage to the unit.
Learn More About Switching Air Conditioning to Heating
Now that you know some of the considerations as you switch from air conditioning to heating this summer, it is time to schedule your furnace inspection! In St. Louis, give us a call at (314) 993-1110 to speak with one of our helpful heating & air conditioning technicians!
