Well we’ve all noticed that the weather has been a little bit up and down in Ottawa over the last few weeks as spring is on its way but winter hasn’t quite finished yet in the nation’s capital. So what do you do with your home heating and cooling system when things are hot one minute and chilly the next? It’s important to know that HVAC maintenance is something that you will need to do all year round. This February you can get ahead of the game with our HVAC maintenance checklist to keep your home heating and cooling system healthy and running in Tip-Top shape.

One of the most important things that you can check right away is your HVAC filter, which should be replaced every 3 months especially with varying temperatures where your HVAC system will have to work overtime. An important thing to do this time of year is to check your home heating and cooling system to see if your HVAC filter needs to be replaced sooner than the scheduled three-month benchmark because it may have become filled with contaminants sooner then the 3-month mark. This is where it’s helpful to always have a replacement filter for your HVAC system on hand. They are inexpensive and can help extend the longevity of your system as well as ensure that your home heating and cooling is running at peak performance.

Another important thing to check this time of year is all of the registers throughout your home as well as the air grills. Make sure that none of them have been blocked or shut because when they are shut or blocked this will prevent or restrict airflow through your home heating and cooling system which can cause your HVAC system to overheat in addition to performing at suboptimal levels.

It is also a good idea at this time of year in February just before spring officially hits to check all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure that they are functioning properly. Additionally you should be checking exterior Vents and chimneys to make sure that they are clear of any snow or ice buildup. These exit points and pipes allow your heating processes combustion exhaust to safely leave your home and a blockage in these areas could lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide that could potentially be fatal. At this time of year when our windows are still closed to trap in or heat during those chilly days it is important to make sure that any fresh air intake piping is clear from any blockages to allow for proper ventilation to and from your home.

So there you have it some helpful tips to keep your home heating and cooling bills lower during these variable temperatures as well as prepare you for the transition between Seasons from Winter to Spring. This is the perfect opportunity to start booking your HVAC system maintenance and inspections with our professional Home Heating and Cooling experts in Ottawa.