Heating systems burn daily during winter to keep homes warm and safe. When temperatures drop, homeowners always wonder how to prepare their heating and cooling units for the season. Although winter can be unpredictable, ensure the heating and furnace equipment are efficiently prepared to keep the home warm.
DiBiase Heating & Cooling shares steps on how to get your HVAC units ready for ready. The cooling experts in Coatesville, PA, have the skills, knowledge, and equipment for heating maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
Tips for Preparing HVAC for Winter Season
1. Change Air Filter
HVAC systems often attract dust, debris, and dirt that make the system perform inefficiently. Air filters protect your HVAC equipment; when they get clogged, the heating functionality will be impractical. Ensure you change air filters regularly; you can do so monthly, quarterly, or after every 12 months.
Heating systems are usually in heavy use during the winter. Inspect them often so you can replace them early enough before the cold season kicks in. Operating a heat pump or furnace with dirty filters makes the contaminants prevent proper airflow. It causes the equipment to overheat and also consume more energy.
2. Clean Your Furnace
Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear for efficiency. Remove debris and dirt to prevent particles from penetrating the furnace during operation. All exterior panels and access doors should be firmly attached to the air handler or furnace. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to remove items around the furnace that may hinder airflow into the unit. Store flammable items away from the furnace.
3. Winterize the Outdoor Heating Equipment
Outdoor equipment also needs some care and maintenance. Clean off the exterior units by removing leaves, debris, and grass clippings that may have stuck on the fins. Any vegetation or plants growing around the unit should be weeded out. Nothing should be stored against the unit; if so, they should be at least two feet away.
Clean gutters to prevent water from dripping down on outdoor systems. This prevents heat pumps from icing over during the cold season. It also protects the ACs from moisture damage. All trees and bushes should be trimmed to eliminate dead limbs that may fall on the equipment during the winter storm.
4. Chimneys Should Be Serviced
The NFPA’s standards require fireplaces, vents, and chimneys to be inspected annually for proper clearance and soundness. If you plan to use a fireplace during winter, check the chimney to ensure it’s free from deposits. Soot buildup can cause chimney damage or make the fire spread into your home.
5. Keep the Air Vents Clean
Keep all the vents in your living spaces clean and clear. Doing so makes your heat pump or furnace heat your home effectively. Your ductwork and heating unit are designed to supply conditioned air to every area of your house. So, warm air will get trapped in the unit when they’re clogged, causing poor energy efficiency and overheating.
DiBiase Heating & Cooling helps homeowners ready their HVAC for winter with reliable and quick heating and cooling services. Get your system into top shape before the season begins.
