How To Winterize Your Home’s Heating and Cooling System
Charlotte winters can be unforgiving, so taking the steps to prevent cold weather HVAC emergencies is essential.
This guide offers a few ways you can winterize your home’s heating and cooling system to prevent it from freezing temperatures this winter.
Five Ways You Can Winterize Your HVAC System
Many Charlotte homeowners don’t think about protecting their HVAC systems when the temperatures begin to drop.
Here are five things you can do to prevent cold-weather HVAC emergencies.
- Change the filters
- Insulate the unit
- Clean air returns
- Protect the unit
- Check the thermostat
Taking small actions to protect your HVAC system this winter can prevent you from experiencing serious and expensive emergencies.
While not all emergencies can be avoided, following these five steps to protect your system can help ensure you don’t experience system failure.
Changing The Filters Can Protect Your System
Change The Air Filters
Keeping up with your HVAC unit throughout the year can set you and your system up for success, especially when the temperatures begin to drop.
Making sure your system is equipped with new filters each season can help prevent cold-weather emergencies.
Changing your filter often can help prevent system breakdown and reduce energy costs.
Forgetting to change your air filters will not only cost you, your electric bill, it could cost you an entire system.
Insulate The Unit
Insulating your HVAC unit is critical for its longevity.
As the seasons change and winter approaches it’s a good idea to insulate your unit so it can keep your home comfortable.
Without proper insulation, heat can escape your home quickly.
This results in your system working harder to keep your home at the desired temperature.
Systems that are forced to work harder are more likely to break down.
The last thing you want is a heating system emergency in the dead of winter.
Clean Air Returns
The air returns of your heating and cooling system are known for collecting dust, and dirt.
Any build-up can block air from circulating around your home.
Cleaning the air returns ensures the system can work efficiently to heat your home.
Taking the time to clean air returns can also be a great way to keep allergens to a minimum.
Protect The Units
Another way to keep your home safe from winter emergencies this winter is to protect your unit. This can be done by covering your unit so it is protected from leaves and other falling debris.
You can cover your unit by using a piece of plywood, and a brick to hold it in place.
This will protect your system from ice or snow from accumulating.
Check The Thermostat
Before the seasons begin to change, checking your thermostat can alert you of hidden issues.
If your thermostat does not reflect the temperature inside your home or is malfunctioning, it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician come take a look as it could be a sign of a larger problem.
This can help ensure your system isn’t headed for a breakdown.
You can also consider investing in a smart thermostat which can help you set desired temperatures based on your schedule.