If you live somewhere that experiences cold winters, then it’s important to get your HVAC system ready for winter. By preparing it for the cold weather, you can save money on heating costs and avoid potential problems with your HVAC system. Here are some steps that will help you do just that.
Step 1
The first step is to turn off the power to your furnace at the circuit breaker panel so you can safely work on it without worrying about being electrocuted. A professional should do this because there are dangerous voltages inside an operating furnace. If you have turned off all of the breakers except one to test if everything is safe or not (by turning them back on one-by-one), and there is still an electrical hum coming from the furnace, do not attempt to turn off that breaker. It means electricity is still flowing somewhere in your HVAC system.
Step 2
Over time dust and debris accumulate inside your furnace, whether used regularly or not. This dirtiness can damage your heating system by restricting airflow that moves heat into your home. If you don’t clean out all of this debris before the next cold season starts, it comes back to haunt you in the form of higher energy bills because your heater spends more time running than it should have.
First, close the gas valve, so no outside air enters through vents while you are cleaning out the furnace or working on it in some other way. Then locate and remove the furnace filters if you have them (most models do). After that, begin vacuuming out debris with a standard vacuum cleaner using the hose attachment.
While doing this, be sure to check behind, beneath, and inside panels for hidden debris or restricted airflow. If you find any problems like these, take time to clean them up. Once your system is clean and dry again, replace the filters and fire it up to test if everything works before winter hits. Your HVAC system must be ready for winter heat when the cold weather comes around!
Step 3
Be sure to double-check what temperature settings your HVAC system is using. It may be that you accidentally bumped it up before or that your family’s temperature preferences have changed since the last time you used it. Now would also be an excellent time to change your filters and make sure your home is sealed up and ready for winter.
Common HVAC Issues During Winter
Even with proper maintenance and preparation, there are still a variety of common problems that might pop up with your HVAC system during the winter. Generally, these can be avoided by regularly scheduled trips to professional heating technicians or getting an annual checkup on your furnace once per year before the cold weather starts.
The first common problem is that dust accumulates inside furnaces just as it does inside anything else. Without regular cleaning, this dust will block airflow so much that it causes higher energy costs due to a lack of proper airflow for distributing heat. If you avoid getting on a routine schedule for cleanings, you risk excessive buildup, which might cause some parts within the furnace to corrode or wear down over time. This results in a high repair bill or a furnace that won’t run.
The second common problem is that furnaces can get clogged up with any bits of metal from old corroded elements inside the unit. These bits of metal will be carried around by air currents created when your heater tries to push hot air through small spaces, and these pieces can build up in between vents where they restrict airflow.
The third common problem is that your humidity levels can drop during the winter months if you don’t use dehumidifiers to maintain proper airflow and moisture inside your home. This is because furnaces heat air and send it into ducts throughout the house, where it moves through vents placed near windows. Since cold air holds less water than warm air, some of this water condenses on nearby colder surfaces such as windows (or even inside ice). If there is not enough humidity in the air, more water will make its way out of these surfaces and into the air, leaving your home dry. This can lead to all sorts of issues, from skin irritation to sinus problems.
The fourth common problem is that HVAC systems with filtration systems that are not cleaned regularly can start growing mold and mildew inside the filters. These buildups will eventually clog up your system so much that it won’t be able to function properly no matter how often you have it serviced. If this happens, you must replace the filters or entire HVAC system because none of these parts can be effectively cleaned once they’ve been thoroughly infested with mold and mildew due to lack of airflow within them.
The final common problem is freezing. It is not too different from the other problems on this list, but it requires a more focused response. Freezing occurs when something goes wrong with either your thermostat or your furnace itself, making your system turn off and on repeatedly as though it’s overheating.
If you avoid these five common mistakes during the winter months, your HVAC will remain clean and functional throughout cold weather. If you do not, your HVAC could need repairs or replacement at least once or twice throughout the winter. At this point, it becomes even more critical to have routine maintenance done on your system to function properly for as long as possible. Be sure to reach out to Austin AC for help with your HVAC system maintenance to get your system ready for the winter months.