How Do I Winterize My HVAC System?
The process of winterizing refers to preparing for the cold season. The best time to start this process is early fall, before winter sets in. Preparing your heating and cooling system to endure the cold temperatures coming to your area in Kansas City is essential. Although winterizing your HVAC system can be relatively simple, it can be very time-consuming and challenging. That’s why it’s essential that you give yourself ample time to complete the necessary steps and to hire a professional for help.
6 Components to Winterizing your HVAC system
You can take several steps to ensure that your HVAC system is ready to operate when the weather turns cold. Let’s look at some of these tips to keep your HVAC system in shape during winter.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-up
It’s crucial to schedule a furnace tune-up for your heating and cooling system before winter to ensure it’s ready to endure the cold temperatures. This process will allow a trained technician to inspect and identify any signs of wear and potential problems. Having your system properly prepared to endure the cold will ensure that you can use your air conditioner whenever the weather warms up again. Running your system without regular maintenance can cause it to wear out faster, so you’ll have to replace costly components more often. So with a tune-up, the longevity of your system will be protected when it’s regularly maintained. Also, getting your air conditioner ready for winter can allow you to clean and replace some of the components that have been neglected. Doing so will allow you to keep your system running smoothly. Our team of Summit Heating & Cooling technicians have years of experience conducting tune-ups– give us a call today!
Turn off the Power
Before you start performing any maintenance on your HVAC unit, you should shut off the circuit. Most units will have an on/off switch inside the metal lid. Turn that switch off to stop the unit. Sometimes the air conditioner will start up once the temperature reaches warm enough. This could cause corrosion and rust within the coils if the temperature drops. When it comes to keeping your outdoor unit working properly, you should avoid turning it on during warm days. A sudden temperature change can cause the unit’s water to freeze, leading to damage. You can prevent this by adjusting the temperature inside the unit. To save energy, set the outdoor unit to “heat only” and reduce its temperature range by a couple of degrees. Turn it off completely outside. You can also use a switch near the condenser unit to reduce power.
Clean your Outside AC Unit
During the summer, your outdoor air conditioner can accumulate a lot of debris, which can clog up the components of your unit. In addition, leaves and branches can make their way into the system. One of the most important steps that you can take to protect your HVAC system is to clean it at least twice a year. After you have cleared about 18 inches of space around the unit, you can use a hose to rinse and remove any debris and dirt. It’s important to let the unit dry completely before covering it. Putting your air conditioner away during the winter without cleaning it out could cause issues later on. Having an HVAC technician inspect and clean it can help prevent problems from arising in the future.
Change your Air Filters
One of the most important steps that you can take to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system is to replace the air filters. Winterizing can be a great time to do this, as it allows you to get all of these components on the same schedule. Your HVAC unit’s air filter is the primary job of cleaning the air that circulates through it. It’s designed to remove dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and other harmful elements from the air that you breathe. When you change the air filter regularly, you can remove the grime and germs trapped inside it. Without changing your air filters, your HVAC system works harder to push air through your home’s system due to dirty or cluttered air filters. When your HVAC system has to work harder, it uses more energy, creating a higher energy bill. It is important to change your air filters quarterly to increase safety and decrease cost– and this winter is a great time to start the habit.
Program Your Thermostat
A smart thermostat can be used to winterize your HVAC system by adjusting the cooling
and heating schedules. Doing so can help lower your energy costs and prolong the life of your unit. For instance, by adjusting the temperature in your home to a lower level during cold weather, you can lower your utility bills and prevent your furnace from breaking down. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home. Doing so can help keep you comfortable and reduce the workload of your HVAC unit. One of the easiest ways to do this is by setting up a programmable thermostat. Implementing a zone control system is one of the most effective ways to save money on your energy bills during the winter. This type of system can help you control your home’s temperature in different areas.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the most important steps that you can take to protect your HVAC system is to prevent water pipes from bursting. This can happen when the temperature drops below freezing, and the water inside the pipes will expand and crack. To prevent this, you can install foam insulation around the exposed pipes. This will help prevent water from freezing. You can also clear the pipes by shutting off the water lines to your outdoor spigots and sprinkler. After draining the pipes, cover the spouts. If you are unsure of how to do this, you should hire our HVAC professionals. Our professionals will inspect and replace the insulation where needed. Doing so will ensure that your HVAC system is ready to operate efficiently during the winter season. Our technicians are trained to ensure your systems are working at their best.
Benefits to Winterizing Your HVAC System
Having a maintenance check done by one of our technicians before winterizing will allow you to make sure that all of its components are in good condition. The process of winterizing can help protect your HVAC unit from the buildup of moisture. If moisture buildup happens, it can lead to the development of rust. Although it’s possible to have problems with moisture in the winter, it can also be problematic when it comes to keeping your HVAC unit running smoothly. If debris remains in your unit, it could cause issues later. Removing them at the start of each season is important to avoid clogs. Our team is trained to get your HVAC system in good hands before the winter– give us a call today!
Your Trusted HVAC Company
At Summit Heating & Cooling, our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible service. We are dedicated to ensuring that our customers are satisfied with our technicians’ work. In addition, we offer various maintenance plans designed to keep your system running at its best. While it may be necessary to have your HVAC unit replaced in the future, it’s also important to maintain it to prolong its life. Doing so can help keep the equipment working properly and provide a more comfortable environment. While you’re preparing to winterize your HVAC system, make an appointment with a technician to service your air conditioner and furnace. Doing this can help ensure that your unit is ready to handle the additional cooling load that comes with summer.
Are you looking for any HVAC services in Kansas City? Give Summit Heating & Cooling a call today!
