You’ve likely turned off the air conditioner for the year. That’s the first step toward a winterized HVAC.
Predictions for winter weather in our area are for a “colder than normal” winter, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. The forecast calls for the coldest weather early through mid-December, late January, and on into February. Snow is likely to occur throughout January, in late February, and early March.
That means it’s high time to complete the following steps to attain winterized HVAC.
- Clean around the condenser. Clear away any weeds, leaves, or debris around the condenser. Dead vegetation is an invitation to creatures looking for a warm winter hideout. Also, take a look around neighboring vegetation and cut it back if need be so that branches don’t fall on the condenser during winter storms.
- Cover the condenser. While a tight-fitting cover on the HVAC might encourage creatures to take up habitation in the condenser, it’s OK to place a piece of plywood or a tarp on top, secured with a heavy rock or a cement block on top. This is to keep leaves, dirt, and icicles from the roof from entering the top of the unit. Fortunately, the outdoor condenser is built tough, so it should stand up to the worst of winter.
- Monitor the heat pump’s defrosting function. If you have a heat pump, monitor the defrost cycle to ensure it’s working properly in cold weather. This cycle keeps the condensation — which occurs as the refrigerant turns to gas and meets the outside air — from encasing the unit in ice. It’s normal to have some frost, but if the heat pump becomes encased in ice, it is not defrosting properly. Turn it off and call your HVAC technician.
- Change the air filter. If you often let the change date for the HVAC filter pass without taking action, make an effort to change the filter at least seasonally, at the start of fall, to help ensure you have a winterized HVAC. A quality air filter will ensure cleaner indoor air when your home is shut tight for the winter.
Need more tips on attaining a winterized HVAC? Contact Ace Hardware Home Services.
