Prepare Your HVAC This Winter

With winter approaching, you don’t want the cold wind creeping in. Worse, you don’t want your heating system to fail. We’ve laid out an HVAC winter checklist to make sure you and your loved ones are warm and safe throughout the season. With this guide, you’ll increase the efficiency of your system for lower energy bills while ensuring the appliance gets a longer lifespan.

Step 1: Schedule an Inspection

You might think it’s jumping the gun by calling in the professionals already, but technicians can perform certain actions for which you’re unlikely to have the equipment. If you haven’t had a professional HVAC winter service in over a year, this should be the first thing you do.

While you can do some things yourself, a professional will perform the following:

Perform an Expert Evaluation: Using specialized equipment, a technician will ensure the thermostat is calibrated correctly, check the heat exchanger’s cleanliness and much more.
Safety Checks: Components such as gas lines and electrical connections must be properly checked before winter.
Performance Optimization: To save on bills long-term, a technician can fine-tune to winterize your HVAC system, making sure it performs well for the summer too.

Important: Don’t try to do anything you’re not qualified for. It could be dangerous or damage your heating system.

Step 2: Check Those Air Filters

Do this at least once over winter. Make sure your air filters are clean, and if necessary, have some on hand to replace completely. If possible, a monthly air filter check will help prevent HVAC freeze and save possible long-term damage. Looking after your air filters will also achieve the following:

Improve air quality: Air filters capture a lot of harmful pollutants, and if you have asthmatic house members or anyone with a respiratory problem, this will benefit them immensely.
Increase efficiency: Battling those energy bills requires action on multiple fronts. A clean air filter is an easy way to prevent your HVAC from overworking and will ultimately cut costs.

Step 3: Seal Ductwork

Carrying on our HVAC tips for winter, prevent heat loss by sealing leaks in your air ducts. We recommend hiring a professional to do this as they come equipped to find large and small leaks. You can request this service while getting the HVAC professionally checked, as mentioned in Step One. If you wish to attempt this yourself, however, here are some tips:

Uneven temperatures: If you notice some rooms are colder or warmer than the rest of the house this may be an indication that there’s a leak.
Condensation: Check for condensation along the seams and joints of air ducts to spot leaks.
Use proper tape: Duct tape won’t last very long. Use aluminum foil tape instead or even a mastic sealant, which you can apply with a paintbrush.

Step 4: Check Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is your gauge of how warm you want the inside. By checking your thermostat, we don’t just mean arguing with the rest of the house about the perfect temperature. There are a few things you want to check to make sure it’s functioning properly and adjustments to consider to save energy and optimize comfort.

Set “climate zones”: Some systems redirect warmer airflow to areas that need it most. Another method is to close vents in rooms that don’t require as much heating.
Check calibration: Use a simple thermometer to double-check that the temperature in each room matches the thermostat reading.
Consider upgrades: If you are having trouble redirecting heat or with calibration, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat system for optimal efficiency.

Step 5: Checking Outdoor Units

If your home or property uses an outdoor unit, there are some simple measures to take. Systems like heat pumps extract heat from the air or the ground and compress it before blowing warm air into your home. A blockage or ice buildup can increase energy consumption or even damage the unit to the point that it requires professional work. Consider the following if you have an outdoor unit:

Winter storm protection: If freezing winds and snow are forecast, clear the area around the unit beforehand. By minimizing risks with regular clear-ups the unit is less likely to be damaged by debris.
Clean the condensate drain: The condensate drain captures and removes moisture from the outdoor unit. If the drain becomes clogged or even frozen, it can cause major issues, and you might find yourself without heat. Regularly check for blockages or even install insulation or a heat cable to prevent freezing.

Step 6: Seal Doors and Windows

Your HVAC will have to compensate if there is a constant stream of cold air. The most likely places for this to occur are windows and doors, particularly if they have not been well maintained. Luckily, there are some relatively inexpensive ways to insulate your home. This will save on unnecessary energy costs over winter and keep the temperature at a more consistent level.

Weather strippers: This handy material comes in different forms and is available from most hardware stores. It’s flexible and easy to install and will be a short-term insulation solution.
Caulking: This is another way to insulate the exterior areas around door frames and windows. Clean the area before applying the silicone or latex caulk with a caulking gun.

Step 7: Be Prepared for an Emergency

You could still find yourself in an emergency situation — even when you have been diligent about getting your HVAC checked, changing air filters, and sealing any leaks and gaps. If you live in an area prone to blackouts during winter, make sure you have backup solutions. Even if it is a short power outage, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with your HVAC unit in case you need to restart it. If you are stuck, here are some extra tips:

Supplies: Ensure you have emergency blankets, torches and warm clothing on hand in case you’re without heat.
Alternative heat: Consider purchasing portable and battery-powered space heaters to keep warm.
Backup generators: It may be worth investing in a backup generator to keep the HVAC unit running in case of an emergency.

Make It a Comfortable Winter

It may seem like a lot to ensure a stable and well-functioning HVAC unit this winter. However, much of what we covered are short maintenance efforts that will keep your unit running for many years to come. A few simple tweaks, like checking for leaks or debris, changing an air filter and being prepared will save you money in the long run and give you some peace of mind as we head into winter.

We strongly recommend a routine HVAC check, which will likely protect you from many of the common issues faced in colder months. Trust A-Abel, Ohio’s leading HVAC technicians, to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all winter with expert maintenance, reliable repairs, and top-notch customer service.