Are you reaching for sweaters every morning instead of t-shirts? Have you begun to switch your iced coffee for a hot pumpkin spice latte? The signs of cold weather are starting to pop up, and in order to be comfortable this winter, you’ve got to prepare your HVAC system.
First Goal Heating and Cooling has compiled a handy guide to getting your HVAC system ready for winter. Make sure your system is serviced and maintained properly before the cold starts to set in! Get started today to ensure a toasty, cozy winter indoors.
Preventive Maintenance
Before you take more in-depth steps to prepare your HVAC system for the cold months ahead, do some basic maintenance. Preventive care should be done at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to prepare for big changes in weather.
Power down your HVAC system before fiddling with anything. Wait for the blower to stop, then replace all your air filters with fresh ones. Filters should be maintained every three months. Occasionally, you can get away with simply cleaning the lint out of them, but during your biannual maintenance check, replace them outright.
Turn the unit back on and listen for any banging or rattling sounds. Perform a visual check of the entire unit to look for moisture, rot, or any components that look run-down. Walk around your entire house, assessing the temperature of each room for comfort levels.
During this step, you’re essentially looking for reasons why you might need the help of an HVAC contractor. It’s best to repair any faulty components now rather than wait until you have a heating emergency in the dead of winter.
Test Your Furnace
Keep an eye on weather forecasts for the coming weeks and months. You don’t want to fire up your furnace for the first time in the middle of a cold snap only to find that it needs maintenance.
At least three times before winter weather truly sets in, turn on your furnace and let it run for a bit. Set your thermostat to your ideal indoor temperature and allow your furnace to heat your whole home before turning it off.
Should you find a need to replace your furnace, you’ll have plenty of time to do so before outdoor temps dip below freezing. Talk to your local heating and cooling company about installing an energy-efficient furnace; it’ll run more quietly and save you money in the long run.
Have Your Vents Cleaned
When you replace your air filters this fall, peek into the vents. Do you see dust and debris building up in there? Have a professional come in and thoroughly clean the vents out.
Excess buildup in the air vents is one of the most common causes of an HVAC system breakdown. Those blockages hamper your system’s ability to move heated air around your home and can lead to inefficient airflow and poor air quality.
Much like the other items on this list, cleaning your air vents is best done well in advance. You don’t want to have HVAC emergencies in the dead of winter, so squash any potential problems before they affect your whole house.
Winterize Your Air Conditioning Unit
Once the outdoor temps are cold enough for you to justify turning off the AC for the season, prepare your unit for a period of dormancy. Shut off the unit completely, so it doesn’t randomly kick on when you have a warmer day. If there’s any dirt or debris stuck to it, clear it away.
Got an AC condenser unit outside? Cover it up to protect it from the elements; leaving it open can encourage moisture from snow and sleet to creep in. Some folks coat their condenser units with a layer of car wax for extra protection from harsh winters.
You can easily cover your condenser unit with a simple sheet of plywood or plastic trash can lid held down by bungee cords. Avoid the temptation to encase it completely; trapping it in non-breathable materials such as plastic wrap will also trap any residual moisture or debris.
Throughout the winter, especially after heavy snow, sleet, or rain, go out and wipe the excess snow and ice off the top of the unit. If you experience high winds and your plywood cover blows off, put it back and secure it in place.
Clean Out the Chimney
If it’s been several months since you’ve used your fireplace, have your chimney professionally cleaned before starting it up again. Creosote and other hazardous materials often build up in chimneys when they’re not used regularly.
Don’t often use your fireplace? The chimney for your furnace still needs annual cleaning. Not only do dangerous chemicals build up, but chimneys are also common refuges for critters such as squirrels and bats seeking warmth.
Test All Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Did you know that you should be checking your carbon monoxide detectors once a month? It’s an easy process—many detectors have a test button that you can press to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Get used to checking those detectors every 30 days from now on, and prioritize these checks during the winter months.
Winter is an especially deadly time for CO poisoning because so many of us hole up in our homes for warmth. We keep windows and doors closed while burning wood in our fireplaces and use space heaters to warm up quickly. A surprising amount of household appliances emit carbon monoxide as a waste product.
Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer” because the gas is odorless and colorless. The only way to know if CO is building up in your home is with functioning detectors. Get in the habit of testing those detectors every month, and replace them right away if they’re not working.
If there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home, call an HVAC professional to help you locate and remediate it immediately. Don’t wait for those flu-like symptoms to set in! Like the other items on this list, it’s essential to be proactive about fixing CO leaks and replacing detectors.
As you anticipate the season’s change in weather, make sure your home is ready to provide comfort in the cold. Get your HVAC system ready for winter with these steps, and stay in contact with your local heating and cooling company during the maintenance process. If you need to repair or replace any components, don’t wait until the situation becomes an emergency! Call First Goal Heating and Cooling to schedule your maintenance appointment today.
