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Get Your HVAC Ready for the Winter Weather

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HVAC in winter weather

As everyone soaks up the last bit of summer, it’s crucial to start preparing for the winter weather. Some people wait until they need to switch on the heat before thinking about preparing their system, but by preparing for the winter weather now, you’re giving yourself plenty of time to ensure there are no issues. That way, when the cold weather arrives, you’ll feel secure knowing that your system is ready to go.

Why You Need to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter Weather

Preparing your HVAC for winter weather keeps your system running smoothly, helps increase its performance, and, most importantly, helps you avoid costly emergency repairs. If you wait too long and something goes wrong, you may find yourself scrambling in cold weather and paying extra for same-day service.

5 Ways to Begin Preparing Your HVAC for Winter Weather:

  1. Air filters
  2. Programmable thermostat
  3. Testing
  4. Prep
  5. Maintenance

Why You Should Replace Your Air Filters Consistently

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system monthly is not on the top of anyone’s priority list. However, this simple step is also the most crucial. Your HVAC system will continue to run smoothly and efficiently if air filters are consistently replaced. Dirty air filters can prevent a comfortable temperature from being maintained, drive up costs, and cause a system failure.

While many people don’t generally avoid replacing these filters, life can easily get in the way of making this a priority. If you are worried about remembering to change your air filter, consider a filter delivery service. Having filters delivered monthly is the perfect reminder. While filters aren’t required to be changed monthly, we recommend this cadence to ensure your system continues to run efficiently and your air is clean.

Why Should You Invest in a Programmable Thermostat?

Investing in a programmable thermostat is not a requirement, but there are several benefits to using one. The number one reason to invest in a programmable thermostat for your HVAC unit is to save money! A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust the temperature of your home or office several times a day based on your desired settings. 

You can program your thermostat to kick on an hour before everyone arrives at the office and kick off once everyone leaves. This prevents your system from working overtime to cool or heat a space that isn’t being occupied and saves you money. While there is no right time to invest in a programmable thermostat, we recommend making the switch as soon as possible.

3 Tests to Perform on Your HVAC Unit Before the Winter Weather

  1. Sound
  2. Devices
  3. Air

Perform a Sound Check

When prepping your HVAC for winter weather, it’s crucial to test everything and listen for weird sounds. Unusual sounds, like banging or rattling, should be noted for further investigation. If you turn your system on and hear a lot of noises, you may need to hire a professional to check out your system and ensure there aren’t any issues.

Test All Your Devices

The devices check is a critical piece. Test your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors when switching your unit to heat. Once you ensure the units are working, you can continue with the remaining testing and preparing your HVAC for the winter weather.

Some homes have a whole-home humidifier as part of the HVAC. This device needs a quick inspection as well. Verify the system’s water reservoir is clean and free of mineral deposits that can build up.

Note the Temperature in Each Room

If you’ve turned on the heat during this process, it’s important to note which rooms may feel cooler than the rest. If one room or area in your office feels consistently cooler than the rest, look for a place where air could be coming in. Look for signs of moisture on windows or rust or dirt on the vent pipe that indicate improper operation.

If you have areas in your building that aren’t properly insulated, your system will work harder to compensate for the cooler areas. This can be extremely costly as your bills will be higher, and your system could shut down due to being overworked.

How to Prep Your Outdoor HVAC Unit for Winter Weather

While you’ve done a lot of work on the inside of your house or business to ensure your HVAC unit is ready for the winter weather, it’s important to give the same level of attention to the outdoor portion of your unit as well. Start by looking for any obvious dirt or debris you can remove, such as leaves, sticks, rocks, and trash. Damage from curious animals and general deterioration due to the elements are common with outdoor HVAC units.

Once you’ve cleared the area around your unit and the unit itself, you may also consider protecting it. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends covering your outdoor unit with a tarp or waterproof cover. This will ensure your system is protected from the elements.

Best Preparation is Routine Maintenance

Even though we plan to prepare our HVAC unit for winter weather, it is best to also have them routinely serviced at least two times per year. The most convenient times for maintenance are spring and fall – when the units are less likely to be in heavy use. Check for unusual odors, abnormal noises, and leaks in the ductwork before the HVAC company arrives – this saves valuable time and allows you to make the most of the time they are at your home.

Check weather stripping around the doors and windows. Weather stripping can crack and deteriorate over the years allowing air to enter your home. Cold air affects the ground floor first, so make that floor the first floor you check during routine maintenance.

By providing a little extra attention and preparing your HVAC unit for winter weather, the unit will reward you with reliable service for a long time. Preparation for winter, routine maintenance, and regular service from a reputable HVAC company will keep your unit humming for years to come.

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