As the cold temperatures settle in, many have begun holiday and winter season preparations. As the festivities continue, it is important to make sure your HVAC system is prepared for the winter temperatures. To ensure your HVAC system is the last of your worries, follow along in this blog to learn important steps to take to winterize your HVAC system in Dayton and surrounding areas!
Winterization Tips
Making sure your HVAC system is ready for the winter can save money and trouble on costly breakdowns. Doing this will not only keep you warm and comfortable during the winter months, but it will also allow your system to smoothly transition into the spring. Below are 3 steps to winterize your heating system:
- Prepare your system
- Protect your outside unit
- Change your air filters
- Prepare Your System
Before turning on your heating system for the season, it is important to ensure there are no obstructions. Debris can easily accumulate from the off-season and harm your unit’s ability to function. If your heating unit is outdoors, remove debris such as leaves and trash. If your unit is indoors, dust and relocate personal items near the unit such as boxes. Cleaning the outside of your heating system can improve airflow and efficiency. Additionally, consider cleaning your air vents before turning on your system. Using a vacuum or dust rag to clear debris buildup on your vents can improve air quality and keep your breathing easy all winter! Other benefits associated with removing dust particles include:
- Decreases the chance of harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide being spread around your home
- Enables the system to run smoothly
- Saves money on energy bills
- Protect Your Outside Unit
Although the air conditioning season is behind us, it is still important to ensure it is taken care of! Adding a protective cover can help keep dirt, moisture, and animals out of the unit. An easy and effective way to do so is using plywood as protection. Cut a piece of plywood that is slightly larger than the condenser’s measurements and place it on top of the unit. Then, secure it with bricks or other weights on the four corners to ensure it’s not blown away by the wind.
- Change Your Air filters
Air filters play an important role in the overall health of your system. Dust, debris, and allergens all contribute to clogging your filter, which decreases its efficiency. When this happens, it diminishes airflow and forces your system to work harder to keep you warm or cool. Changing your filters is an affordable way to keep your system running smoothly if done so consistently. This important job should be done every three or four months, depending on factors such as animals and allergies. Maintaining your air filter will also help ensure when springtime and summer roll around again, your air conditioner will be working properly.
Other Home Winterizing Tips
Once you have prepared your HVAC system for Ohio winters, consider these other housekeeping tips to keep your home a cozy escape!
- Check the Gutters
- Protect Your Pipes
- Seal the Cracks
- Check the Gutters
Although icicles portray a winter wonderland, they can be quite troublesome for your HVAC system. When snow hits Dayton, be sure to remove any ice or heavy snow from your outdoor unit. Ice dams in the gutters can allow water runoff to slip behind your shingles, causing significant roof damage. Clean up your gutters, consider installing gutter guards, and make sure your attic floor is adequately insulated to avoid ice dams. Another thing to look out for is making sure that the attic is well-ventilated and roughly 10 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature.
- Protect Your Pipes
When the temperature falls below 32 degrees, your pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting. Ignoring a frozen pipe will send gallons of water onto the floor, damaging walls, flooring, and ceilings. A simple way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep a few faucets flowing. Additionally, you should consider opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to surround the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Seal the Cracks
Although this should be done at any point during the year, it is just as important to seal the cracks during the winter months as it is during the summer. Any inner and outer breaches in your home’s windows, doors, and walls might be allowing cold air to enter. Caulking or weather stripping is a cost-effective way to seal cracks for minor air leaks. Consider contacting a professional technician to thoroughly evaluate your property and plug any leaks that are causing your system to work harder than needed.
Schedule Service Today
Universal Heating & Cooling is here to help winterize your system before the cold months arrive. We know that getting through the holiday season with a broken heater is the last thing anyone would want to do! We are here for you when you need us most, give us a call to schedule heating repair in Dayton with one of our expert technicians!
