Many preparations need to be made as winter knocks on our door. It is critical that all systems throughout the house are fully functioning before the cold months are upon us. There is nothing more daunting than having equipment repaired in the winter. It is a complex and arduous task. Let’s look at some tips that can ensure that your HVAC system is ready for winter.
Why You Should Winterize Your HVAC Home System
Routine maintenance of your HVAC system will prevent many issues down the road. There are many reasons why this is a significant step in winterizing your home. The primary reason is that it will save you money; it will reduce energy bills, reduce costly repairs and extend the life of your HVAC system. It will also ensure that the air throughout your home will be quality and provide you with comfort all year long. It will also keep your HVAC system under warranty, many manufacturers require yearly maintenance as part of their contract.
Top 14 Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter
Preparing your HVAC system every winter is extremely beneficial and doing it right is necessary. Here are some tips:
#1 Schedule a Professional Check-Up
Getting a technician to inspect your HVAC system provides you an invaluable service. A technician performs tune-ups on your system that will restore the system to its optimal capacity and allow you to have a more reliable HVAC system. In addition, these tune-ups can catch problems before they become costly system failures.
#2 Check and Replace The Filter
- Shut off your HVAC system ( an important step when dealing with all equipment)
- Remove the panel that covers the filter
- Remove the used filter and throw it away
- Insert the new filter but be sure to follow the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer
- Close the access panel
- Turn your HVAC system back on to test it
#3 Inspect Ductwork
To inspect your ducts, it is important to find all access points such as basements or attics.
- Turn off your HVAC system
- Visually inspect your ductwork system for dirt, debris, gaps, tears
- Turn your HVAC system back on and reinspect all the vents and ducts and make sure that the airflow isn’t escaping or obstructed in any
#4 Seal All The Air Leaks
When preparing your home for the winter, sealing air leaks is extremely important to trap the heat. Here is a list of air leaks to fill after a visual inspection of your property:
- Windows
- Doors
- Where the chimney and the ceiling meet
- Cracks in exterior walls
- Cracks in the foundation
- Electrical plugs, wiring, and plumbing holes
#5 Install a Programmable Thermostat
- Turn off the HVAC system at the breaker
- Unscrew your old thermostat
- Pull it out slowly and make sure to leave the wires intact
- Use tape to label all the wires
- Make sure the wires don’t go back into the wall
- Place the thermostat on the wall
- Match the wires on your thermostat that correspond to the other wires
- Put the cover back on
#6 Check Vents
Visually inspect all the vents you have access to, including the ones in the attic, crawl spaces, and basement where applicable. Look for any tears, gaps, debris, or mildew. Check to make sure that every vent offers an unobstructed pathway for air to flow freely. Make sure to check every vent in every room as well.
#7 Clean Furnace
Prior to cleaning your furnace, it is important to test it on different days for efficacy. Once that is done the cleaning process can begin.
- Turn the furnace off and let cool
- Clean the outside with a damp cloth
- Clean the blower with a vacuum cleaner
- Remove all dust and dirt particles accessible
- Replace the filter
#8 Sound Check
A sound check of your HVAC system could help you diagnose an issue with your system before your unit breaks down. Not paying attention to the thumping, rattling, screeching, banging sounds can cost you more money down the line. It is imperative that if you ever hear any unusual sounds that you call a technician to inspect your HVAC system.
#9 Prep Humidifier
- Unplug your humidifier
- Disassemble it completely
- Slowly remove and empty the water tank
- Pour vinegar into the humidifier
- Let it sit for an hour at the very least
- Then with a clean brush, clean the residue
- Mix a solution with 1 teaspoon of bleach per 1 gallon of water
- Fill the tank with this solution
- Rinse with water as many times as needed
- Once dry, reassemble your humidifier
#10 Bleed Radiator Valves
- Make sure heating is off and the radiators are cooled down
- Put a jug or an old rug under the bleed valve and insert the bleed key
- Turn the key counterclockwise until you hear a hissing sound
- Then turn the key clockwise after the water starts dripping
- Make sure the valve is tightened again
- Turn your heating back on
#11 Service Chimneys
Servicing your chimney yearly before using it in the winter is imperative. It is highly recommended to get a professional to inspect it. You must make sure there is no soot build-up because a dirty chimney can be a fire hazard. It is also important to make sure the outside of your chimney is intact.
#12 Test Detectors
With winter comes fire hazards connected to increases in heating, usage of fireplaces, and even increased cooking at home. So, you must check your smoke detectors:
- Press and hold the test button on your smoke detector
- You should hear an ear-piercing siren
- If that sound is weak or non-existent then you must replace the batteries and perform the test again
#13 Winterize Outdoor HVAC Equipment
Please make sure that you never wrap plastic around the condenser of your HVAC system.
- Turn off the power of the HVAC unit
- Remove any debris stuck in and around it
- Wax the outside of the unit to coat it
- Remove ice and snow all winter long, make sure the unit is always clean and clear
#14 Make HVAC Repairs and Replacements
It is important to inspect your HVAC system, but the repairs need to be made on the spot. Putting off repairs or postponing the replacement of critical parts can jeopardize your safety and cost you more money down the line.
Conclusion
It is critical to be mindful of safety before the winter months. You must ensure that all your equipment is fully functioning. Blackhawk Supply is ready to help you find the best HVAC supplies to ensure that you have a safe, stress-free, and cozy winter.
