In our region, winter is significant enough that you need to winterize your HVAC. Winterizing your heating system will help ensure that your furnace, heat pump, or other type of heating runs correctly and efficiently all season long. To winterize your HVAC equipment, start by scheduling preventative maintenance. One of the major goals of a maintenance visit is identifying worn parts and replacing them so they don’t cause HVAC emergencies when you need your heating to work at its peak.
But what other things should be done to make sure your HVAC unit is properly winterized? Read on and get to work so you’ll be ready for winter’s first icy blast.
Heat Pump? Clean Around It.
If you heat your home with a heat pump, make sure there are no obstructions such as leaves, weeds, or other debris around your outdoor unit. Trim back any overhanging branches or limbs that might fall on the condenser, and don’t cover it.
Some homeowners cover their air-conditioner condensers, but if you do so, it’s best to buy a cover manufactured for that purpose. Be aware that covering the unit may encourage rodents and other creatures to make a home inside the condenser over the winter.
Change Your Air Filter
Most homeowners are capable of changing the filter for their HVAC system. Avoid running the unit with a dirty filter, as this slows down airflow and causes the system to work harder than it should to heat or cool. This will result in higher energy bills and may cause the system to break down. If you don’t know how to change the filter, ask your service tech to show you.
Check for Obstructions
Go around your house and look at the supply and return vents. Make sure they are free of obstructions and that ducts are open on supply vents.
Schedule Maintenance to Winterize Your HVAC
Your HVAC tech will perform a number of tasks for preventative maintenance, including cleaning burners, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, and checking for leaks in the flue or vent pipes.
For more on how to winterize your HVAC, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
