7 Tips For Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter

28th Feb 2023

Want to avoid any HVAC system trouble this winter? It's easy to keep your home or business heated throughout the chilly winter months if you take suitable precautions. However, you could face costly breakdowns if you skimp on proper HVAC service. These can disrupt your home life and, in some cases, might even be dangerous.

The good news is that with proper precautions and a set maintenance schedule, you can avoid many HVAC problems. Staying on top of any HVAC issues can help you save money and headaches. Follow our guide to enjoy your winter without any HVAC disruptions!

Winter HVAC Care Tips

Check out the following tips to give your HVAC system the care it needs throughout the winter!

Check Your Vents for Blockages

Check for any blockages in your vents before the cold weather sets in. Dust, debris, and even critters and their nests can block airflow through your HVAC system. These blockages can make your heater run harder than it needs to when heating your home. This added stress can cause your heater to break down faster than it would if it were operating normally.

Inspect Your Air Filter

Your air filter needs to be changed out regularly for your HVAC system to operate normally. Depending on your type, you may need to use a new one monthly. Check your air filter to see if it’s dirty. A clean air filter will do better at filtering out air pollutants. This is critical during winter when indoor air quality may suffer. Choose your filters at https://hvacfilters.com/.

Fix Window and Door Drafts

Drafts throughout your home can raise your power bill during the winter. Around half of the heat, your home loses can be due to window and door drafts. Schedule a visit by a licensed contractor who can safely seal any cracks along your home's windows and doors.

Cracks around your windows can also let in precipitation, which can spell trouble for your home. Any added indoor moisture could help mold growth during the winter. That makes it essential to seal door drafts before the cold weather begins.

Tune-Up Your Furnace

Your furnace is a complicated machine that needs regular tune-ups to work correctly. It has many working parts that can be put under intense stress. A problem with a single component can impact your entire heating system. Some of the most common breakdowns in heating systems involve the following:

The starting mechanism
Dirty ducts
Broken or malfunctioning blower components
Heat exchanger malfunctions
Broken limit switch

Without professional training, it can be difficult to diagnose the specific problem if your heating system breaks down. It can even be dangerous for you to try to replace parts on your own. Schedule a tune-up before winter starts to ensure everything is in working order.

Schedule a Thermostat Inspection

A malfunctioning thermostat can make your home too cold or hot during the winter. Both cases can mean higher heating bills for you. A thermostat problem can become dangerous if you have little ones or older adults at home.

Schedule a thermostat inspection to ensure it's working correctly. Replace it if your technician detects any problems. Be sure to check yours regularly for any problems. Change the batteries regularly, so it works without issue

Cover Your Outdoor AC Condenser

Winter can be tough on any components of your HVAC system that are outside. For many people, the AC condenser is an outdoor unit exposed to the elements. Covering your AC condenser can extend its life and prevent breakdowns during the coldest parts of the year.

Maintain Your Older Heating Systems

How old is your heating system? Depending on its age, it could have a more challenging time operating over the winter. Keep tabs on your heating system's age and, if necessary, schedule a replacement. Heating systems older than 15 years may need to be replaced. The maximum lifespan of a heating system is typically 20 to 30 years.

Care for Your HVAC System Going Into Winter

Your HVAC system is a complex machine, and it's important that it gets the love it deserves throughout the year. The best way to prepare for the winter is to schedule an HVAC system inspection before the cold really kicks in.