How to Winterize your HVAC System
The transition from a brisk fall day to winter can be sudden, alarming, even. It’s fall when you go to bed and when you wake up, a winter wonderland has taken place overnight. Although the first snowfall can be picturesque and cravings for hot cocoa start to warm the mind, it’s important to prepare your HVAC system before the first sign of winter strikes. Luckily, Crystal Heating & Cooling is here to help with transitioning between seasons.
What does HVAC stand for?
First, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning. This will include the furnace, the air conditioning unit (if you have one), and any ducts or vent-work designed to release moisture.
Change the Furnace Filter
A simple and inexpensive step, and one that is often overlooked, is replacing your furnace filter. Did you know that you should replace your filter every 90 days? Now is a great time to change your filter and set a reminder for 90 days into the future. Having a clean furnace filter helps control the air quality in your home. To make it easy for you, Crystal Heating & Cooling has an air filter subscription. Sign up once and Crystal will automatically deliver the required air filters to your doorstep! You can create your own order schedule, cancel or modify at any time – no obligation required.
Winterizing your AC
Prepping your air conditioning unit for winter is relatively easy as well. It involves turning it off and giving it a thorough cleaning – this includes washing away dirt, bugs or bird droppings and clearing any dead grass, branches or leaves that may have accumulated in the area. Once it’s dry, cover the AC with a waterproof – yet breathable – cover to help protect it from the harsh elements of winter. It’s important that the unit can breathe so that moisture does not accumulate. Be sure to regularly sweep away any snow, ice, or other debris that may fall over the winter months.
Schedule Regular Preventative Maintenance
It’s always a good idea to have an HVAC technician come to inspect your furnace before the temperature drops. A thorough inspection will reveal any potential vulnerabilities in your furnace that could lead to a breakdown sometime during the heating season. In addition to an inspection of your system, we also provide a cleaning of any dirty components, a full lubrication of all moving parts, a continuity test of all electrical components, and an overall system and safety test. Having a proper inspection by a licensed HVAC technician will ensure reliable operation from your furnace for years to come.
Clean Your Home’s Air Ducts
Before you turn on the heat, give the air vents a good vacuum – this will help prevent dust and other allergens from flying out when you turn on the heat. If you have noticed poor airflow through your vents, the Crystal team also offers duct installation and service for all makes and models, which ensures that heat (or AC) can circulate evenly. It also helps to mitigate any unusually high heating (or cooling) costs.
Other Tips for Maintaining your HVAC System
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Install ceiling fans to push down the warm air
- Keeping blinds/curtains open in the daytime to allow sunlight in helps to heat a room naturally
- Close the blinds/curtains at night to help the warm air stay inside
- Investing in a space heater to warm larger spaces in key areas
- Make sure your home is properly insulated.
Crystal Heating & Cooling is an essential service and we are always available 24/7 should you ever need us. Our technicians are trained and certified to service all makes and models of residential heating/cooling products and we have an emergency repair service to ensure your complete peace of mind and comfort. Call us at any time if you ever need a hand!
