10 Ways to Protect Your HVAC System This Winter
Your HVAC system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. Like most homeowners, you probably rely on your HVAC system to keep you warm all winter. As winter approaches, it can mean only one thing for your HVAC system – increased usage. That’s why protecting your system from cold weather is essential. Here are ten ways to protect your HVAC system through winter.
1. Scheduling a Tune-Up
During a tune-up, a technician will clean and inspect all of the major components of your system. This can help prevent problems like frozen coils and quickly clogging filters, which can be common during winter. In addition, the technician will also check for any potential safety hazards, ensure your system is functioning properly, and make any necessary adjustments, replacements, and repairs.
Our experts also check the refrigerant level if you have a heat pump and refill it if necessary. This preventative maintenance can help prolong the life of your system and keep it running smoothly all winter. So if you want to protect your HVAC system this winter, schedule a tune-up and maintenance visit today. Experts from A/C Doctors will ensure your HVAC system is in pristine working condition and ready to handle the cold.
2. Check and Replace Your Air Filter If Necessary
A clean air filter helps remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, making it easier for your furnace to do its job. Additionally, a clean air filter can help improve the air quality in your home. A dirty or clogged air filter can make your system work harder, putting extra strain on the system and making it more likely to break down. Having an HVAC professional check and replace your air filter is a simple task that can make a big difference in the long run.
3. Insulating Exposed Ductwork
Insulating exposed ductwork is one way to make your HVAC system more efficient this winter. Insulation will help to keep the heat in the ducts and prevent it from escaping into the surrounding area. In addition, by reducing heat loss, it is easier for your system to maintain the temperature you set on your thermostat. This lessens the wear and tear on your system. A qualified HVAC expert can perform this task and has the experience to know the best insulation materials to use and the best way to install them. This step can help extend your HVAC system’s life and keep it operating at peak efficiency.
4. Invest in a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat has the advantage over a programmable one because it allows you to monitor and control your home’s temperature remotely, which is a convenient feature. However, these devices both will enable you to set a schedule for heating and cooling your home so that you’re not constantly running your system when you don’t need to. This can help prolong the life of your system and save you money on your energy bills.
Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your input. For example, if you work during the day or want the temperature at a lower setting at night, a smart thermostat will adjust your system’s temperature set point to increase your heating system’s efficiency. And, if there’s a sudden drop in temperature outside, the smart technology can turn on the heat to keep your home safe. Our experts can help you set up a smart thermostat in your HVAC system to help protect your home during winter.
5. Keeping Air Intake Vent Clear
This may seem like a small task, but it’s very important. The air intake vent is how your HVAC system gets the air it needs to operate. If the vent is blocked by snow, ice, or debris, it can cause serious problems for your HVAC system. For one thing, it can cause the system to overheat. This can damage the system or even cause a fire in extreme cases.
Preventing serious problems isn’t the only reason to make sure the air intake vent is clear. It’s also important because it helps to ensure that your HVAC system is getting enough airflow. This is essential because if the system does not get enough air, it won’t be able to operate as effectively as possible.
6. Using Draught Stoppers or Seals Around Doors and Windowsills
Through winter, your home’s HVAC system has to work harder. The heating system must run more to maintain a comfortable temperature by circulating heated air throughout the house. Therefore, taking some steps to protect your HVAC system and help it run efficiently is essential. One way to do this is by using draught stoppers or seals around doors and windowsills. This helps to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in, making it easier for the system to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid breaking down.
7. Servicing Chimneys
A build-up of soot and debris can prevent proper ventilation, causing your furnace to work harder than necessary and potentially leading to a fire. Servicing your chimney helps prevent these problems and keeps your HVAC system running smoothly. Have an HVAC professional service your chimney regularly to ensure it remains blockage-free through winter.
8. Bleed Your Radiator Valves
This process helps to remove air from the system, which can build up and cause overheating and corrosion of your system due to rust. In addition, bleeding your valves helps ensure that your system is evenly balanced, which can improve efficiency and help extend your system’s life. Having a professional bleed your radiator valves is one of the best ways to protect your HVAC system through the winter.
10. Winterize Outdoor HVAC Equipment
If your system has an outdoor unit, it is essential to protect it during winter. Before winter, clearing leaves, branches, or other debris from around the unit is a good idea to ensure that air can circulate freely. Once winter hits, cleaning the unit off during your regular snow removal routine will prevent ice and snow build-up from interfering with the operation of the system. In addition, you can buy and use a specially designed cover or place a metal or plywood cage around the outdoor unit to protect it from flying debris. You can ask an HVAC professional for advice if you are unsure what kind of cover to use for your system.
Rely on the Experts
By taking some preventative measures now, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your system runs well all winter. And if you do start to experience problems with your heating or cooling system or want to schedule a tune-up, don’t hesitate to call A/C Doctors. Our team of experts will be happy to help you get through another winter without any issues.
For over two decades, residents of Gilbert, AZ, and throughout Maricopa County have trusted us to offer exceptional heating and air conditioning services. These services include repairing, replacing, and maintaining air conditioners, heating systems, heat pumps, ductwork, condensers, air handlers, specialty solutions, and indoor air quality. Contact A/C Doctors today for outstanding heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions!
