Heating & Air Conditioning Pros Help Homeowners Prepare their Homes for Winter

These can save homeowners from costly repairs and high utility bills this winter

HOUSTON, TX – Although some parts of the country are still experiencing warm temperatures, cooler weather is on the way or already in many parts of the US, and it’s important for to prepare their homes – and their HVAC units – now.

Experts from One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning®, part of the Direct Energy family of brands with independently owned and operated locations throughout North America, are sharing tips that could help homeowners save on costly repairs and help lower utility bills:

• Change the HVAC filter. After a few weeks of minimal HVAC activity, it’s easy to forget to change the filter. Start the heating season off right by replacing yours if it’s dirty and clogged.
• Clear the furnace area. If your furnace is located in a storage area of your home, take heed of things you may have moved around during . Any flammable materials left propped against the furnace constitute a potential fire hazard.
• Test your thermostat. Even if your thermostat worked reliably in cooling mode, it’s worth double-checking its accuracy in heating mode. Take a digital thermometer from room to room to make sure your home is heating accurately and evenly.
• Check and replace weather stripping. You should have some form of weather stripping on every window and exterior door. However, time and the elements can take a toll, and weather stripping may peel or become cracked. Wherever you find damaged weather stripping, replace it before it turns into a chilly draft.
• Schedule a tune-up if needed. After months of inactivity, your furnace collects dust, so that burning odor at the start of is completely normal.  With good air circulation, the odor should clear in a matter of minutes. If it lingers for hours, it’s time to call your local HVAC technician for a professional inspection

For more details, and to find licensed HVAC technicians in your area that can help winterize your home, visit onehourheatandair.com. Our friendly technicians are happy to answer any questions you have regarding tips and tricks for your home’s HVAC system to ensure your home is ready for .

For more ways to prepare your home for cooler temperatures ahead, One Hour's Tips & Tricks Blog.