The Stiles Blog

As the seasons change, so do your home’s heating, cooling, and comfort needs. Adapting your HVAC system to the demands of each season is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment and optimizing your system’s efficiency. 

At Stiles Services, the trusted HVAC contractor servicing Athens, GA, and surrounding communities since 1974, we believe in equipping homeowners with the knowledge and expertise they need to keep their HVAC systems in top shape all year round. This comprehensive guide will share expert tips and advice to help you prepare your HVAC system for the changing seasons, ensuring optimum performance and a comfortable home.

This guide will cover essential seasonal HVAC maintenance tasks, such as performing tune-ups for heating and cooling systems, checking and maintaining filters, adjusting thermostat settings, weatherizing the home, and scheduling regular inspections and maintenance visits with a trusted HVAC professional like Stiles Services. Proper seasonal HVAC preparation ensures your home stays comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment.

Rely on our experienced team at Stiles Services to guide you through preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons. With our comprehensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services combined with a commitment to exceptional customer care, you can trust us for all your HVAC needs in Athens, GA, and the surrounding areas. Follow our expert seasonal HVAC maintenance tips and enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home throughout the year.

Schedule Seasonal Tune-Ups for Your Heating and Cooling Systems

One of the most critical steps in maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency is scheduling regular tune-ups for both your heating and cooling equipment. These tune-ups ensure that your equipment runs smoothly and efficiently all year round.

Spring: Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Arrange for an air conditioner tune-up during the spring before the summer heat sets in. A professional service technician will check the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, inspect the electrical components, and test the system’s overall efficiency.

Fall: Furnace and Heating System Tune-Up

To ensure optimum performance during the colder months, schedule a furnace or heating system tune-up in the fall. This service includes inspecting the heat exchanger, checking for proper combustion and venting, cleaning the burners, and testing safety controls.

Check and Maintain HVAC Filters Regularly

A clean and functioning filter is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency as it prevents dirt, dust, and debris from harming your equipment. Keep your system in top shape with these filter maintenance tips:

Inspect Filters Monthly

Check your HVAC filters at least once a month, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. In heavy-use seasons, you may need to clean or replace filters more frequently.

Replace Filters Every 1-3 Months

Depending on the type of filter your system uses and factors like pet ownership, you should change your HVAC filters every one to three months. Consult your system’s owner’s manual for specific filter guidelines.

Adjust Thermostat Settings for Seasonal Comfort

Proper thermostat settings can make a significant difference in your home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels. Consider these seasonal thermostat adjustments:

Summer: Energy-Efficient Settings

During the summer months, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and raise the temperature a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping to save on cooling costs.

Winter: Optimal Heating Settings

In the winter, set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and lower the temperature when you’re away or asleep to maintain comfort while conserving energy.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to preset temperatures based on your daily routine, maximizing energy efficiency and convenience.

Weatherize Your Home To Boost HVAC Efficiency

Preparing your home for the changing seasons plays a vital role in maintaining your HVAC system’s efficiency. Consider these weatherization tips to improve energy efficiency and equipment performance:

Seal Air Leaks

Inspect and seal any air leaks around your home, especially in areas like windows, doors, and attic spaces. Use weatherstripping and caulking to create an airtight seal and reduce heat loss in the winter or heat gain in the summer.

Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Ensure your attic, walls, and crawl spaces are well-insulated with high-quality materials to minimize seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

If your home has older windows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient double-pane windows. These windows help maintain indoor temperatures and can significantly reduce energy costs.

Schedule Regular Inspections and Maintenance With an HVAC Professional

A crucial aspect of HVAC system maintenance is working with a reliable, trusted professional. An experienced HVAC technician will perform comprehensive inspections and provide expert advice on how to maintain your system’s efficiency, ultimately extending the equipment’s lifespan.

Annual HVAC Inspections

Schedule an annual HVAC inspection with a professional to identify any potential issues early, optimize system performance, and maintain energy efficiency. An inspection includes thorough checks of all HVAC equipment and recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements.

Develop a Maintenance Agreement

Consider a preventive maintenance agreement with a reputable HVAC service provider like Stiles Services. A maintenance agreement typically covers seasonal tune-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs and replacements, ensuring your system receives regular care and attention from an experienced professional.

Conclusion

Proper preparation of your HVAC system for the changing seasons is essential for maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient home throughout the year. By implementing our expert tips, including scheduling seasonal tune-ups, maintaining filters, adjusting thermostat settings, weatherizing your home, and working with a trusted HVAC professional, you can ensure your system’s optimum performance and extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment.

For all your HVAC needs in Athens, GA, and the surrounding areas, trust the experienced team at Stiles Services. We have been providing reliable and professional HVAC services since 1974, helping homeowners maintain comfortable, efficient homes all year round. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can help you prepare your HVAC system for the changing seasons.