8 HVAC Tips to Get You Through the Winter

Older woman enjoys cozy warm comfort in winter thanks to HVAC tips from River City Heating.

Winter in the Midwest can be intense. Fortunately, in most cases, serious HVAC problems can be avoided if you know what to do. The Bryant® experts at River City Heating and Air Conditioning share our best HVAC tips for winter below. Use them to get your HVAC system ready, then call us for service or additional help at 507-454-7689.

Use These HVAC Tips This Winter

1. Inspect your thermostat

Check your thermostat to make sure it’s functioning properly. This includes changing batteries if required and making sure that it’s in sync with your furnace. Need help? Don’t hesitate to reach out to River City’s experts.

2. Clear the area around your unit

Inspect the area around your furnace to make sure nothing is touching or cluttered around it.

3. Change your system’s air filter

Check your furnace’s air filter and switch it out with a fresh one to ensure optimal heat and efficiency. We recommend doing this every one to three months for best results.

4. Verify the age of your furnace

Make sure you’re aware of the age of your furnace. In most cases, furnaces should be replaced every 15-20 years. Even if you’re not quite there yet, it’s helpful to know when you might need to expect a replacement.

5. Test your carbon monoxide alarms

Your carbon monoxide alarm alerts you at the first sign of a dangerous leak. Test the alarm and change its batteries regularly to make sure it’s always working.

6. Seal any drafty areas around windows and doors

If you’re aware of drafty areas from last winter, seal them up now so you don’t have to worry about losing energy as temperatures continue to drop. Even a small leak can lower room temperatures by a few degrees each hour.

7. Clear space around vents and schedule duct cleaning

Check all vents throughout your home to make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, toys, or other obstructions. Also, ensure they are open—closing even one can add extra stress to your system. You may also want to schedule duct cleaning if you haven’t had it done recently.

8. Schedule annual maintenance

Stay ahead of the curve by scheduling furnace maintenance with River City. We’ll identify and repair pesky problems that could lead to greater issues later in the season and verify that everything in your furnace is working as it should be.

Get Set for Winter With River City

River City has all the tips and equipment you need for a safe, warm winter. Your home comfort is our number one priority. If you have any concerns about your furnace or any other HVAC system in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 507-454-7689 or contact us online.