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As the weather cools across Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, and surrounding areas, your HVAC system transitions from a summer AC champion to your essential winter comfort provider. Ignoring basic HVAC maintenance before the cold truly sets in can lead to sudden, expensive breakdowns and inflated energy bills. The good news is that preparing your heating system—whether it’s a furnace or a heat pump—is simpler than you might think.
By following a few straightforward steps, you can ensure your unit runs efficiently, reliably, and safely throughout the coldest months.
Essential DIY Winter HVAC Maintenance
A few easy checks you perform yourself can make a huge difference in your system’s performance and longevity.
Replace Your Air Filter
This is arguably the easiest and most critical maintenance task. A clogged, dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace or heat pump to work significantly harder and use more energy. For a home with pets or heavy use, check the filter monthly and replace it every 30 to 90 days. A clean filter ensures smooth operation and contributes to healthier indoor air quality.
Test Your Thermostat and Settings
Before the season starts, switch your thermostat to the "Heat" setting and test it to ensure the system responds properly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, take the time to program your winter settings. Setting the temperature lower when you're sleeping or away from home is an easy way to save energy without sacrificing comfort. For maximum efficiency, avoid cranking the temperature up dramatically; a smaller, consistent adjustment works better.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
If your system uses a heat pump or has an outdoor AC unit that is part of a central system, make sure the area around it is completely free of leaves, debris, shrubs, and snow. The unit needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides to allow for proper airflow and operation. Ensuring the outdoor unit is clean and unblocked prevents undue strain on the compressor.
Check Your Vents and Registers
Walk through your home and ensure every supply and return vent is open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocking vents restricts proper airflow and can create pressure imbalances in your ductwork, leading to inefficient heating and potential system strain. You want the warm air from your furnace or heat pump to circulate freely throughout the house.
Why Professional Care is Non-Negotiable
While the DIY steps above are important, they do not replace a full professional inspection. Your furnace or heat pump is a complex appliance with crucial internal safety mechanisms that only a certified technician should inspect.
Schedule Your Annual Tune-Up
An annual preventative maintenance appointment is the best insurance against a mid-winter breakdown. During a professional visit, technicians from Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC will perform critical checks like:
Inspecting and cleaning the burners and heat exchanger.
Checking electrical connections and testing safety controls.
Inspecting the ignition system.
Looking for potential carbon monoxide leaks (critical for gas furnaces).
This service helps identify small issues before they become catastrophic and ensures your system is operating at its maximum safety and energy efficiency. It also often keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid.
Seal Air Leaks
Your furnace can be running perfectly, but if your home is leaking air, you are wasting energy. Inspect doors, windows, and other common areas for drafts. Simple weatherstripping and caulking can seal these gaps, keeping the precious heat generated by your heat pump or furnace inside your home where it belongs. This insulation step takes the burden off your HVAC system, helping it achieve lasting energy savings.
For comprehensive winter prep or if you notice any unusual noises or odors, don't delay. The licensed and experienced team at Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC is ready to help you maintain your comfort and protect your investment. Call us today at (971) 444-6310 for a professional tune-up.