Homes are getting bigger. More people are moving into the suburbs. And more homes are being built in areas where winters can be very cold. That means that HVAC systems have to work harder than ever before to keep up with all of these demands, especially during the winter months when temperatures drop and heating demand spikes. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prepare your system for winter so that it will work better and last longer-and stay comfortable inside your home all year long!
Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Appointment
During the fall, it’s important to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC system so that your heating and cooling unit will be up and running all winter long.
If your system is 10 or more years old, now’s the time to schedule a tune-up with your HVAC service provider. They’ll be able to inspect and clean all of your heating and cooling components and discuss any changes that need to be made like: lowered airflow, for example for an oversized unit; repaired or replaced parts; and a thorough check of your system.
Preventing repairs is much more economical than calling a repairman during the middle of winter, and it will keep your system running as efficiently as possible throughout the coldest months. Plus, it’s always a good idea to be on the safe side and make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the colder weather.
Turn On Your Heat Pump or Furnace 2-3 Times Before Winter Arrives
Your HVAC system is only designed to work in one climate, but if you know that your climate is going to change considerably in the coming months, you can turn on your heat pump or furnace 2-3 times before winter arrives.
If you have an older system, consider letting the fan work while you are gone during the day so that your HVAC system can work while significantly reducing or even eliminating the humidity in your home. This will help to prevent frozen water lines and will reduce some of the strain on your system.
Adjust and Test Your Thermostat – And Think SMART
If you want to make sure that your home stays comfortable throughout the winter, you should adjust and test your thermostat. To make a good adjustment, make sure to read the instructions for how to do it well. One of the main things to think about when adjusting your thermostat is if you have a programmable one. Programmable thermostats can be set ahead of time or remotely from your computer or cell phone to help save on energy costs and keep your home at a comfortable temperature even when you’re not there.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filters
Airflow is another important factor when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Be sure there’s nothing blocking any air vents in your system, and that all of your registers are clean and open before you start up the heat. Don’t forget to check outdoor units for leaves, dirt and other debris.
If you haven’t changed your HVAC system’s air filter recently, now is the perfect time to replace it. A clogged or dirty filter can prevent proper airflow and damage components-so this is one task you definitely don’t want to put off!
Getting a new high-performance filter will improve airflow, help to keep your system in good working order, and will help reduce energy bills.
Winterize Your Outdoor AC Unit
If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, consider covering it with a winter cover when it’s not being used so that the elements can’t get in. This will prevent dirt, leaves, snow, and ice from building up around your unit, which could cause it to malfunction or breakdown.
Outdoor HVAC units are more likely to experience problems during the winter because they’re exposed to the elements-not only is it much colder outside, but there’s also snow, rain, ice, wind, and hail. So, protect your outdoor HVAC unit with weatherproof insulation hats-they’ll fit snugly over the top of your unit and will prevent snow, ice, etc. from accumulating on top.
Pipe insulation kits are another great investment that you can make to help protect your HVAC system during the winter months. By wrapping your outdoor pipes in these kits, you can prevent them from freezing and causing expensive repairs.
With a little bit of preparation, you can prepare your HVAC system for winter to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently when the colder weather hits-and you’ll also help extend its life!
Check For Drafts
Look along the kitchen, bathroom, and other exterior walls of your home for any openings around electrical outlets or switches. Also look at attic access points such as soffit vents and louvered roof vents that may not be fitted with winter covers before winter arrives. Insulate these areas and add weatherstripping where necessary.
Prepare The Pipes
If you aren’t currently using a drip leg or drain pan on your outdoor unit, put one in place before the first hard freeze hits to prevent damage from ice and water buildup. Check all of your indoor and outdoor faucets for drips, and seal leaks using an appropriate caulk such as silicone or polyurethane.
When you’re away during the day when cold weather hits, consider shutting off the water supply to all of your plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, tubs—and especially sprinkler systems. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing, which could result in broken pipes and leaks.
As the weather begins to cool down, be sure to keep your HVAC system in top shape so it can keep you nice and comfy all winter long!
It’s that time of year again when the days are getting shorter and colder-and it’s important to take preventative measures against HVAC issues. The tips we’ve provided in this article should help you prepare your system for winter so that it can work efficiently during the cold months ahead, saving you money on energy bills and preventing costly repairs. If these 7 quick tips seem daunting or if you want assistance with implementing them, give us a call at Air Pro Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re here to help!
