Winterizing your furnace is crucial to ensure more energy efficiency and prevent damage from colder temperatures during the winter season. Winterizing your condenser, or the outdoor unit portion of your AC, is essential to protect it from the winter elements and freezing temperatures that might cause it to become damaged, especially if snow and ice are a concern. It’s important to follow the right steps to winterize your HVAC system to make sure your home stays warm in the winter. In this article, we will go over the steps you should take to winterize your furnace and air conditioner every year in preparation for the cold season.
The first thing to do is schedule a complete professional HVAC maintenance check to ensure your system is in good condition before the heating season. You want to make sure there are no smaller issues that could grow into larger ones when you need your heating to be fully functioning. You should also perform a quick visual inspection yourself, watching for any leaks and making sure there are no obstructions. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as rust damage or corrosion, and address any issues promptly. Other regular maintenance tasks include checking the thermostat, testing the safety controls, a complete cleaning of the furnace, checking the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and inspecting the electrical connections. It is helpful to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan with a certified contractor in order to stay on track with winter tune-ups that can be time-consuming on your own.
Before the winter weather begins, it is a good idea to ensure your thermostat is working properly, since this is the starting point for your furnace. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature and save money on heating costs. Set the thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away or sleeping to reduce energy consumption. Ensure the thermostat is working correctly to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent overheating or overcooling.
Improve air quality by changing the air filter regularly and ensuring proper ventilation by opening all the vents in the house. Consider installing a humidifier or air purifier to maintain improved air quality and prevent dry air in the winter season. Air filters should be changed about once a month, depending on how often you use your furnace. The filter catches all of the contaminants in the air to stop them from circulating through your heating system and into your air. A clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your system.
Inspecting the ductwork is also an important step of winterization prep. It is a good idea to clean your ducts, either yourself or with help from an HVAC professional, to maintain proper airflow and prevent mold and mildew growth. Running your system and checking for duct leaks is also important, since leaky ducts can waste a large amount of the heated air you pay for. It is best to get any duct sealing or repairs taken care of before winter officially begins so that you can be sure you have fully operational ductwork in your HVAC system.
If water freezes within your pipe, it can expand and break the pipes. Disconnect and drain the garden hose from the outdoor faucet to prevent remaining water from freezing and causing pipes to burst. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as the garage or basement, to prevent freezing pipes. If you already have insulation there, check to make sure it is still in good shape. Turn off the water to outdoor plumbing systems and cover them with insulation.
You should also make sure your attic, crawlspace, and basement are insulated. These areas are subject to things like water damage and letting cold seep in from outside. Check first for any signs of leaks and repair them before making sure the area is insulated, sealing off the vents and access to the crawlspace for the winter to prevent cold from entering the house. Make sure to also keep your garage door shut and insulate any cracks there to prevent heat loss. You may also want to install storm windows when the winter hits.
Remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from around the outdoor unit so there are no obstructions that could trap moisture. The fall season will bring a lot of outside debris that can surround and get stuck in your unit, and you don’t want to let it build up. After turning off the power, you can use a shop vac to clean out debris that is difficult to reach in the outdoor unit and use a hose to wash off the condenser fins.
It is a good idea to turn off the power to the air conditioning system at the circuit breaker box if you are not going to use AC during the winter months. Make sure any exposed pipes, such as the refrigerant line, are insulated.
Covering the air conditioner can be a controversial issue among many homeowners. Some insist upon putting a cover over the outdoor unit during the winter since it can protect against the various outdoor debris and possible snow or ice dams. It can also protect against rodents nesting in the air conditioner unit during the cold weather. However, covering the unit could also do more harm since it will mean moisture can get trapped and create rust or mold. If it is not fitted correctly throughout the entire winter, it can just create an even more enticing place for rodents to nest, and most units do not require a cover since they are built to withstand outdoor elements and temperatures, so long as you keep up with removing snow, ice, and debris buildup throughout the winter.
Ultimately, the choice to place a winter cover over the outdoor air conditioning unit or not is up to the homeowner, but it might be a good idea to get professional advice from a licensed HVAC technician.
Winterizing your HVAC system can help reduce heating costs and improve energy efficiency, as well as ensure that your system operates safely. Proper winterization can prevent significant damage to both your furnace and air conditioning system, as well as help to keep your house warm and comfortable. Regular maintenance in general can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and protect you from costly repairs.
You can contact the professionals at John Owens Services for any job you need done in preparation for the harsh weather. Our HVAC technicians can assist with everything from installing proper insulation on your pipes to helping clean and inspect your HVAC unit!
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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