When winter hits, the last thing you want is to shiver in the comfort of your own home. And if don’t maintain your HVAC properly, then it will happen. To avoid this, here are 5 HVAC maintenance tips during winter.
1. Keep it Dust-Free
Dust is one of the most common causes of ineffective HVAC. If it is built to filter out dust, then it is bound to accumulate dust. And if you do not keep your HVAC dust-free, it will break down.
To do this, refer to the manual that came with your HVAC. See where the air filter is located. Then, find the filter in your HVAC, inspect, and clean if needed.
You can perform a monthly inspection to keep your system running smoothly. It is also recommended to replace the air filter every 3 months. In addition, try to keep air vents clean to avoid a quick buildup of dust.
Otherwise, your HVAC will work harder through the accumulated dust and eventually break down.
2. Reprogram the Thermostat
Is your HVAC not keeping you warm enough? If you have checked the hardware and still can’t find the culprit, then inspect the thermostat. The issue may be in the electronics.
Since you are transitioning from cooling to heating for the winter, it is also recommended to recalibrate your thermostat. Keep batteries fresh, too. But if you do not have a programmable thermostat, now is the perfect time to replace it.
This will help you save energy and control air temperature more efficiently.
3. Protect the Outdoor AC Unit
Winter will expose your outdoor ac unit not only to dirt and debris, but also to snow and ice. So, it is best to protect it with a waterproof cover before the season even hits.
To do this, turn off the power supply. Then, make sure your unit is completely clean and dry. Finally, cover it with a waterproof material so it can survive all season long.
Feel free to add a roof-like cover on top for extra protection.
4. Keep Warm Air Indoors
If some areas remain cold despite having an HVAC, then find out what is causing this. The first step you can take is to check entry doors and windows for air leaks. If there are any, then it’s time to do some caulking and weatherstripping.
You may also add additional curtains to keep warm air inside. This will keep your HVAC from working harder than necessary, which saves more energy.
5. Schedule a Check-Up
The perfect time to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment is when you can survive without it: anytime except summer and winter. In fact, it is recommended to schedule regular check-ups to get your system ready for when you need it most.
But if you failed to do this, especially during the winter season, don’t worry. Your local HVAC technicians would be more than glad to help.
Before scheduling, look out for anything unusual with your HVAC. Are there leaks, strange noises, or unpleasant odors? Your technician will eventually notice, but it’s better to inform him ahead of time. This will help address the problem quickly and save you from the biting cold right away.
Contact us to schedule your HVAC maintenance check-up today!