As sure as the seasons change, certain common winter HVAC service is recommended. Some priorities are included in the manufacturer’s recommended annual service, while others are DIY preventive-maintenance or safety items to head off potential issues later. It’s always better to have common winter HVAC service done early, as opposed to during a severe cold spell later. In addition to better reliability and heating performance, you’ll also ensure lower operating costs.
Here are some typical items that should be taken care of as part of common winter HVAC service as colder weather approaches:
- Schedule professional furnace preventive maintenance. This includes a top-to-bottom inspection of all heating components and functions, as well as manufacturer-recommended service procedures to ensure that the system is operating at optimum efficiency, performance, and reliability. If your furnace is still under warranty, a record of annual professional service is usually required to keep the warranty valid.
- Replace the air filter. This should be done at the outset of the heating season and at least every other month thereafter. It’s a good idea to check the filter’s condition monthly to make sure it’s not accumulating excess dust or particulates. Pleated cotton or polyester filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) between 8 and 13 support optimum filtration and airflow.
- Check all the air vents. Make sure all supply and return vents are fully open and that heated airflow into and out of the room is unobstructed. Vacuum any dust and dirt accumulation out of the vent grilles.
- Verify programmable thermostat settings. Are your programmed heating temperatures from last winter still appropriate? Maybe there are now more (or fewer) occupants at home or daily schedules and heating preferences have changed. Update the thermostat program as necessary to accommodate present requirements.
- Remember the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For safety’s sake during the heating season, make sure you replace batteries in these sensors according to the manufacturer’s recommended interval. Also, press the “Test” button on each unit monthly to confirm that it’s functioning properly.
Ask the professionals at Paitson Bros. for more information about common winter HVAC service. We’ve been your go-to source for seasonal comfort and efficiency since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922