Winterizing Your HVAC System

7 Tips For Winterizing Your HVAC System In Westchester County

Air Conditioning Maintenance And Repair Made Easy: Stay Warm All Winter Long

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it’s essential to take some time to winterize your HVAC system. Whether you have a residential unit or a commercial system, keeping your HVAC in good working order is crucial.

One of the main reasons people winterize their air conditioners is to prevent damage from freezing. However, improperly winterizing your AC can do more harm than good. If you don’t properly remove all the water from your system, it can freeze and cause damage.

Additionally, if you use an insulating material like foam insulation to seal up your AC unit, it will trap moisture inside and could lead to corrosion and damage. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, hiring a professional Westchester Country HVAC contractor is best. They will ensure the entire unit is ready for the long, cold, winter months.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things you can do on your own to prepare. Check out these seven tips for winterizing your HVAC system.

The Importance Of Winterizing Your HVAC System

Keeping your system in good shape can reduce energy usage by up to 25 percent. But energy savings are only part of the benefits of proper preparation.

Protecting your system from the snow, ice, and other damaging effects of winter can help keep you and your family safe – and your budget intact.

To winterize your HVAC system, you will need to do the following:

1. Clean Your HVAC Unit

When your HVAC unit is dirty, it can affect the air quality in your home. To clean it, remove any dirt, debris, or twigs from around the unit.

Cut back any weeds or vines that have grown around your system to ensure there is no interference with the components. You may also want to spray it with your hose to remove any dust or soil, but take caution not to damage the fins or other components during cleaning.

Inside your home, the grills and ducts are just as vital. Before winter sets in, remove the grills and wipe around the edges of the opening. Cleaning your vents before the winter months is a great way to ensure excellent air quality.

2. Shut Down Your Outdoor Pipes

Be sure to shut down your outdoor water faucets and sprinklers. If they are left on, they can freeze and burst. To properly shut them down, turn off the water at the valve and open up the faucet to release any water left in the line.

If you have an underground sprinkler system, you’ll need to blow out the lines with compressed air. This will remove any water that could freeze and damage the system.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes And Cover Your Outdoor Unit

If you’re worried about your pipes freezing this winter, you should do a walk-through with a qualified HVAC repair company to see which ones are at risk. You can avoid frozen pipes by adding insulation and other coverings, keeping your garage door shut, and adding pool noodles around your pipes.

4. Check Your Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your HVAC system is one of the few things that need some winter TLC. Homeowners should also check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re in working order. This is a quick and easy way to help keep your family safe this winter.

5. Prepare Your Furnace

To prepare your furnace for winter, you will need to vacuum out the dust and dirt particles that have accumulated inside it throughout the year. This will help keep the system running correctly and ensure good air quality for your family. Be sure to schedule a professional tune-up with your qualified HVAC service company. They will have a task list above and beyond the basics mentioned here. Change or clean your air filter(s) too!

6. Check Your Thermostat

Match the temperature on your thermostat with the actual conditions in your home. You can do this by checking the temperature gauge on your furnace. If they don’t match, make the necessary adjustments to ensure accurate readings.

An accurate temperature reading on your thermostat can help keep your energy bills from soaring during the winter. Plus, when you know your thermostat is correct, you can set it to a comfortable temperature and forget it – no more tinkering and bumping it throughout the day.

7. Schedule A Maintenance Appointment

The best way to reduce any unexpected breakdowns this winter is to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. This involves a comprehensive inspection of your unit and checklists for any necessary repairs or tune-ups.

Get Ready For Winter With HVAC Maintenance

With these winterizing tips by our Westchester HVAC contractors, you can rest assured that your heating and cooling system will withstand the colder months. By preparing your home now, you can avoid any unexpected repairs or breakdowns later on.

At Innovative Air, we offer a wide range of HVAC services, including maintenance, repair, and installation. Contact us today at (914) 855-1888 to schedule a consultation.