Prepping Your HVAC System for Winter

Cooler weather is upon us and winter is just around the corner. Is your HVAC system ready for cold weather? Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the inevitable and add a few good years to your HVAC.

Air Filters - Filters trap the dust you can't see; form the habit of changing your filters every three months. It will improve the quality of air in your home, and can help boost the efficiency of your systems, especially if you choose the right filter.With a dirty filter, it makes it more difficult for treated air to pass through, which in turn forces your system to work much harder. With a clean filter, your HVAC systems can run properly and avoid damage and the need for repairs.

Thermostat - Test your thermostat; on a cool morning, turn the heat on and set the thermostat to your preferred winter-time temperature. If the HVAC never reaches that temperature or takes too long, you may have a problem.

We suggest you keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter. It will keep your home warm enough so that it is comfortable for your family, but also protect your home’s pipes from freezing.Consider having a programmable thermostat installed. It allows you to program preset temperatures for various times of the day so that your HVAC works less when you're away.

Seal Ducts - Make sure all heating and cooling ducts are sealed in order to improve your HVAC winter efficiency. When air travels through your home, it passes through ducts. Heated air can escape through the open gaps where the ducts might connect to another.When this air escapes, the temperature in your home drops and your HVAC system has to put out more heated air. By having your ducts sealed, this could be prevented. The savings on your utility bills will be quite noticeable because your home won’t have to compensate for the air that is lost.

Check Economizers - During the summertime, economizers in your HVAC system are used to utilize outdoor air for cooling. Dampers that act and look like vents are one of the main components of your economizers, allowing for outdoor air to enter your home. However, when these little vents get stuck, it could hurt your HVAC system’s efficiency. Dampers should stay closed during the winter so that your home isn’t heating unnecessary, outdoor air, which is likely to be frigid.

Air Vents - To ensure air circulates properly, make sure nothing is blocking your fresh-air-supply and return-air vents. Furniture, bedding, toys and the like can obstruct air intake and make the HVAC unit work harder.

Full Inspection Done - You should consider having your home’s HVAC systems fully inspected. An inspection done by a professional contractor will assure your HVAC systems are running properly. If an issue with one of your systems is detected, it can then be addressed before the true cold sets in.

While insulating the attic and weather stripping the exterior doors and windows of your home isn't "HVAC prep," both will seal several air leaks and eliminate drafts. This increases the efficiency as well as the effectiveness of your HVAC system. Take a peek around the attic. Can you see the floor joists? If so, you probably don't have enough insulation. Look out for sales on attic insulation.

As soon as the weather cools, you're ready to begin insulating and you won't have to stand in line at the home improvement store. Next, inspect your exterior doors and windows for worn-out weather-stripping and replace as necessary. Is your garage connected to your home? Weather stripping around the garage door is essential for adding another barrier to cold wind that makes your HVAC work harder.

For ensuring the longevity of your HVAC, put your trust in AeroTech, we'll help improve your system's efficiency and test your system for safety. We perform a complete inspection that includes searching for possible refrigerant leaks, tightening electrical connections, insuring that natural gas is properly vented, maintaining condensate pans and drain lines, and lubricating motors and bearings.