With cold temperatures slowly becoming the norm, it’s obvious that the descent into winter has begun. Undoubtedly, this means that people are engaging in their traditional preparations: switching out their wardrobe, bringing patio furniture into their garage and covering up their outdoor grills. In addition to these yearly duties, it pays to get your HVAC system ready for winter, as well. Not only does this save you money on energy bills but it can ensure that your heating and cooling system is in peak condition and in good, working shape to get you through the winter. In this post, we’re going to give you five tips to help you prepare your HVAC system for winter. Check your filters Dirty filters can negatively impact the air flow in your heating system. Ensuring that your furnace is equipped with clean filters means that it doesn’t need to work as hard and, as a result, doesn’t put as much strain on its internal components. Upgrade your equipment If you’ve had your HVAC equipment for a long time – 10 years or more – you might consider upgrading to one of the newer, more energy efficient models. At Metzger’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend the Bryant Evolution gas furnace system due to its 90% efficiency. Program your thermostat Using a programmable thermostat, you can reduce your home’s heating bills up to 15%. By lowering the indoor temperature at night by 8 to 10 degrees, your equipment will last longer and, more importantly, you’ll see a noticeable drop in your bills. Reverse your ceiling fans Most people know that hot air rises. But, did you know that you can reverse the spin of your ceiling fans? By pushing heated air downward you can reduce strain on your HVAC system and cut costs by retaining more warm air. Call for an inspection At Metzger’s Heating & Cooling, we know that there’s no substitute for a professional opinion. If you’re concerned about your home’s HVAC system and want to ensure that it’s ready to stand up to the challenges of winter, call one of our experts today and let us put your mind at ease!