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HVAC Tips: 7 Steps to Winterizing Your HVAC System

HVAC tips: Clean the HVAC Unit

Did you know your HVAC system can benefit from winterization? A seasonal tune-up can help your home heating system have fewer problems and will make it last longer. This process will also help your system to run at peak performance and energy efficiency.

Keep reading if you want the best HVAC tips for how to winterize your system.

What is Winterization for HVAC Systems?

Winterization is the process of doing HVAC maintenance and upkeep in preparation for the colder months. Winterization includes doing inspections and conducting preventative care to keep your system lasting longer and with fewer problems.

Now we’ll get into further detail on what you’ll need to do to protect your equipment and reduce your energy bills with HVAC maintenance.

1. Optimize Your Thermostat

Your programmable thermostat will need to be set up, especially during the winter months. Make sure that your thermostat is set to your desired temperature while you’re home and a lower temperature while you’re away.

This will make it so that your furnace isn’t running as hard to heat your home, so the end result will be energy savings.

HVAC Tip #1: Optimize your thermostat

2. Change Your Air Filters

Make sure to check your air filters for any dirt or grime. If your filters are dirty, they will restrict airflow, which means your furnace will need to work harder to produce heated air when you need it. Replace your dirty HVAC filters immediately and get into the habit of doing so regularly.

3. Cover The Air Conditioning Unit

The winter can present brutal conditions that potentially damage your outdoor air conditioning unit. Getting dirt or debris inside your outdoor unit can make for costly repairs.

To prevent this, consider purchasing an air conditioner cover. You can find one at any local hardware or appliance retailer.

4. Clean The HVAC Unit

Like we said in tip number three, it’s vital that you keep your unit clean and free of unnecessary particles. Clearing the area of weeds and other plants definitely won’t hurt.

Professional Air Conditioner Coil Cleaning

You can also hire a professional to clean the inside of your unit. This is recommended as they will have the proper cleaners and knowledge to do so without damaging any vital parts.

You’ll be surprised at how much difference cleaning your air conditioning unit makes in terms of maintaining optimum efficiency after the winter months.

5. Check Your Furnace

Check your furnace for any irregularities. You’ll want to listen for any short cycles or long ignition attempts. If you smell gas, make sure to open a window and call your gas company right away.

6. Inspect Your Vents

Your vents and air ducts can get cluttered. Take your vents off and remove any dirt that may be caked on. Clean the air ducts within your arm’s reach and remove any debris that may have fallen into the vents.

HVAC Tip #6: Inspect your vents

7. Schedule a Professional Inspection

One of the most important things you can do for your HVAC system is to have it professionally inspected. An HVAC technician will inform you of the health of your system and determine if any repairs are needed. 

You should have this done at least once a year, but twice a year is ideal. This will help to ensure that your system runs smoothly when you need it the most.

Get More HVAC Tips

We hope you found these HVAC tips helpful! If you need any assistance with winterizing your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact JDC Heating & Cooling. We’re happy to help you keep your home or business comfortable all winter long.

Check out our blog for more HVAC tips and tricks!

You can also contact us if you have any other questions about your HVAC system or want to schedule an appointment.