A winterized HVAC system saves you money on energy bills and has a significantly lower risk of needing repairs during the cold winter months. Fortunately, preparing your system for winter doesn't have to be a daunting task if you know what to do. Keep reading to learn some effective winterization tips.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
It's advisable to prevent the debris that's accumulated in your outdoor air-conditioning unit throughout the year, particularly during the fall, from sitting inside it all winter. You can follow these steps to ensure you have a winterized HVAC unit:
Turn the power to the unit off.
Remove the unit's top cover.
Vacuum out the debris that's accumulated inside.
Wash the fins gently with a hose.
When the unit dries, reattach its top cover.
It's also important to cut back weeds, vines, and branches and clear dirt and debris from around the unit.
Insulate Your Ducts
Your ducts should be insulated properly to protect them from cold temperatures. Without adequate insulation, the temperature of the air inside will change as the air flows to your rooms. That could reduce the efficiency of your furnace. Make sure the ductwork in unconditioned spaces is well insulated by either creating an insulating space for it using foam insulation boards or insulating the entire unconditioned space.
Change Your Filters
Replacing your air filters is an easy and effective way of ensuring a winterized HVAC unit and keeping your unit operating smoothly. A clogged filter makes your system work harder to keep you comfortable, which may lead to expensive repairs over time.
Schedule a Furnace Tuneup
When transitioning from cooling to heating, it's crucial to have an HVAC technician check your furnace. The technician will find potential issues that could result in a system breakdown during the winter and ensure your furnace is running correctly. What's more, your HVAC professional will help you winterize your outside unit.
Winterizing your HVAC system will yield benefits that will extend beyond this winter. For more information on winterized HVAC units, contact Air Assurance. We offer heating and cooling services to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.