Preparing your HVAC system for the winter is essential for its reliable operation throughout the cold season. It not only increases your heating and cooling system’s energy efficiency, but it also lowers your utility expenses. It also improves air quality indoors, which is especially important in Arvada, where homeowners usually keep their windows closed during the winter. Winterizing can help prevent breakdowns and keep you from having to spend money on pricey fixes. There are a few winterizing tasks you can do yourself, but many require professional help.
1. Clean the Air Vents
Airflow impacts your home’s HVAC system in several ways. The better the airflow, the easier the heater can heat your home. When dust and dirt build up on the system’s air vents, it limits airflow. This can degrade the system’s effectiveness, increase energy usage, and lead to higher electricity or gas bills. Taking time to wipe down the air vents at least once a week can improve the system’s overall performance, but it’s a good idea to have a professional do a deep clean at least once a year in early fall.
2. Replace the Air Filter
Another common cause of limited airflow is a dirty filter. Dirty filters cause your home to experience hot and cold spots because the heater can’t effectively distribute warm air. Instead, the system uses more energy to produce warm air, putting it at a higher risk of overheating. Overworking the system like this also leads to the system struggling to keep your home at your desired temperature. The easiest way to improve the system’s airflow is to regularly clean or swap out the filter with a new one.
3. Inspect and Seal Ductwork
Heat loss caused by duct leaks or openings lowers the system’s efficiency. Finding and sealing these spots will allow hot air to travel freely and keep the house at a comfortable temperature. In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, this also contributes to lower heating expenses. Furthermore, it limits the introduction of cold air or impurities, creating a healthy interior atmosphere throughout the winter months.
4. Inspect the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the component responsible for introducing warm air into the home’s living space. Broken or faulty exchangers limit heating efficiency and potentially pose health risks because of things like carbon monoxide leaks. Inspecting the heat exchanger on a regular basis guarantees that it can work efficiently throughout the colder months. This will result in consistent, safe, and cozy warmth throughout the house.
5. Lubricate All Moving Parts
Friction increases in the cold, meaning that the HVAC system endures extra stress during the winter. Keeping the system’s moving parts well-lubricated makes it possible for everything to operate smoothly and effectively. Maintenance like this not only keeps the HVAC system running better during the harsh winter but also keeps it running longer. It’s a wise approach that improves the system’s overall energy efficiency.
6. Insulate Your Pipes
Pipes can freeze and break in cold weather, resulting in expensive repairs. If you check for weak spots and add insulation where it’s required, you can fortify your home’s pipes against the chilly weather. This maintains peak performance and reduces the likelihood of HVAC breakdowns during the winter, making for a more trustworthy and effective heating system overall.
7. Use a Winter Cover
If your home’s heating system has an outdoor compressor unit, it’s important to keep it clear of debris. The best way to keep it from getting covered in ice and snow is to use a winter cover. The unique design of winter covers allows them to shield the unit against direct snowfall and ice accumulation.
8. Consider Zoned Heating
Opting for a zoned heating system is a smart way to winterize your home’s HVAC. You can set up individual thermostats for each zone of your house, allowing you to adjust the temperature in different rooms independently. When used strategically, a zoned heating system can help you save a lot of money on utilities without sacrificing comfort. It can provide these kinds of savings because it allows you to lower the temperature in unoccupied or seldom-used rooms while still heating other areas of your home.
One of the most vital elements of winterizing an HVAC system is checking and insulating the pipes. So are inspecting the heat exchanger, lubricating moving parts, and sealing ductwork. However, all of these tasks are best left in the hands of a professional. from Coffman & Company. We also help homeowners with gas piping, indoor air quality testing, and water heaters. Give us a call now to learn more about winterizing your home’s HVAC system.
