Pennsylvania’s weather is temperamental, and since the state has quite an elevation difference, winters can be brutal. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your HVAC system can handle the cold winter’s demands. Without proper preparations for the winter, energy costs can be higher, especially if a part of your HVAC system malfunctions.
Tips for Winterizing HVAC Systems
As winter approaches, you must ensure your heating system is up to par. This preparation begins during the fall months when you should winterize your system to provide even heating that keeps your family comfortable. Let’s look at some tips for winterizing your system to make it more efficient and longer lasting.
Replace Air Filters
Air filters are one of the more critical components of your HVAC system since they protect the system from accumulated dust, dirt, and debris. These HVAC pathogens can easily accumulate and damage the internal components, and even with the filter in place, too many of these particles will cause blockages that will affect the system’s performance during the cold Pennsylvania winters.
Filters should be replaced as often as suggested by the manufacturer’s information. Still, replacing them at the start of the cold months is always a good idea to avoid inefficient and blocked heating. Heating systems tend to fill up filters faster in the winter months. In fact, going forward, it’s a good idea to check the filter monthly to avoid problematic build-up.
Clean Out Air Vents
Also called air duct cleaning, cleaning out your air vents is one of the key practices you should have done every fall to prepare for the winter months. Not only does this ensure detritus like dirt, dust, and pet dander are cleaned out, but it also prevents pets from making a home in your ducts. Blocked air vents will also degrade efficiency, which often results in a higher energy bill as the system needs to work harder to provide heating to the entire home.
These vents also are near-ideal homes for mold and mildew, and having a professional like those at AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning clean your air ducts from these pathogens will help you avoid a headache during the winter.
Check Outdoor Units
During the colder months, fallen leaves, debris, and snow easily accumulate around outdoor HVAC units. For this reason, checking for these problems as it gets colder ensures that the drain line is clear and that there’s no damage forming around or on the unit itself. Ice is a particular issue as ice buildup restricts airflow, which means reduced heating.
Ensure that Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work
This may not seem like a critical step in the winterization process, but it is for any HVAC system that uses natural gas or propane. Parts in the system that are not functioning properly can create carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can be very dangerous, so make sure your detectors work properly before kicking on the heat.
Have Leaks Sealed
Over time, leaks may form in an HVAC system due to gaps and disconnections caused by various environmental factors. For this reason, it’s critical to have a professional come in and seal any identified leaks that might have formed during a season. When there are gaps in the system, unheated air will actively cool the air being pushed through your HVAC. This means that your system will have to work harder, and there’s a greater chance of a resident turning up the thermostat to compensate.
Duct leaks are a major contributor to inefficient HVAC systems, and repairing them will help you save money on heating bills in the long run.
Test Run Your Furnace and Heating System
Once everything is in order, turn your heating system on to ensure that it works properly. The last thing you need is to discover that the igniter is not working when the temperature drops below freezing.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before winter hits and your HVAC system is not ready for the brutally cold air, have a professional come to your home and inspect everything to make sure it’s running properly. The folks at AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, which serves Huntingdon Valley and the surrounding areas, can clean your HVAC system, pinpoint any potential issues, and fully optimize parts to extend its lifespan.
Keeping your HVAC system in top condition is imperative. Interested in HVAC maintenance? For all of your heating and air conditioning needs in Huntingdon Valley, call AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today!
