6 Useful Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Winter | Tips from Your Cypress, TX Heating and Air Conditioning Service Provider
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Fall is here in Cypress, TX. The leaves have started turning red. Winter is officially on its’ way and it will be here before we know it. While on the one hand, you need to make sure that you get your winter wardrobe is ready well in time, you also need to ensure that your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is ready to face the winter cold.
The primary purpose of an HVAC system is to make sure your home is comfortable throughout the year. It achieves this purpose by ensuring that the temperature in your home is relatively stable throughout the year.
It would be an absolute nightmare if your HVAC were to break down in peak winter time, when you need it the most. In order to avoid that hassle later, here are certain steps to ensure that your HVAC is properly functioning when you need it the most.
Remember to not attempt any of these steps by yourself and to contact a professional heating and air conditioning service to help you.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Summertime in Cypress, TX is usually hot and temperatures can easily exceed 90 degrees. Hot temperatures imply that your air conditioner will probably run all day, in order to maintain a comfortable home temperature. Constant use of the air conditioner can make your air filter very dirty.
A dirty air filter disturbs the flow of air, forcing your HVAC system to work extra hard, causing inefficiency and higher utility bills. It is therefore recommended to have your dirty filters replaced with clean ones well in advance of winter.
If you suspect that your air filter needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to contact a professional heating and air conditioning service today.
2. Clean the Vents
Persistent use of the HVAC all summer implies that dust and debris can often build up inside the system. It is recommended that you check all of your HVAC vents for signs of dust and debris in late October, well before the start of winter.
The outdoor units of your HVAC system are particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of the elements.
All through summer, your HVAC will get covered in twigs, pollen and even grime, blocking the air flow to your system. This problem is made worse during fall. The leaves falling from the trees in autumn might be visually appealing but can be dangerous for your HVAC system. In fact, some leaves can even get stuck in the external part of your HVAC, posing a fire hazard.
Your goal should be to make sure that your HVAC continues to function properly, in spite of changes in weather.
Even 1/100thof an inch of dust buildup on your blower motor and coil can leads to a 10% efficiency loss, understandably raising your electricity bills.
Contact a professional heating and air conditioning service to have your system’s dust and debris cleared off before the start of winter. (Ideally late October)
3. Check Your Home’s Insulation
Ideally, your home remains well insulated throughout the year, allowing your HVAC to function at its optimum. A well insulated house makes efficient use of energy, resulting in lower utility bills for you.
Over time however, drafty doors and sliding windows can mean that your home is no longer properly insulated, allowing hot or cold air to escape. As the air escapes, your HVAC will have to work harder to heat or cool your home.
If you notice a sudden upsurge in your energy bills, it is time to speak to a professional heating and air conditioning service so they can inspect your system’s insulation.
4. Check Your Furnace
Late October or early November is the ideal time to check your HVAC’s furnace and make sure it’s working properly.
The first thing you should do is to check for any dust that may have gathered all throughout the summer season. The next step is to test the furnace itself.
Remember that it may take time for your HVAC to adjust to drastic seasonal changes. If your HVAC was giving off cold air, it may take a while for it to adjust and start giving off hot air.
You need to be patient with your HVAC system at the start of winter. Turn the heater on to a low setting and increase it gradually .Keep in mind that you may have to be patient with it
If after waiting patiently, you still suspect that your furnace is malfunctioning, don’t risk waiting. Contact a professional heating and air conditioning service today!
5. Check the Thermostat of Your HVAC
Checking the thermostat of your HVAC is an important way to check whether or not the system is being overworked.
If the thermostat shows an accurate temperature reading, then you know that the system is functioning properly. If not, you know you need to get it fixed before peak winter.
6. Regularly Maintain Your HVAC
Regular maintenance of your HVAC is likely to reduce the need for constant repairs by extending the life of your unit. Not only will you be spending less on repairs, but a well- functioning HVAC is also likely to lower your utility costs.
As important as regular HVAC maintenance is, never attempt this maintenance by yourself. Only a professional heating and air conditioning servicecan inspect your system and tell you whether or not it is ready for winter.
If you want to find out more about how to prepare your HVAC well in time for winter, don’t hesitate to call Cypress Heating and Air. We are the most efficient and the most trustworthy heating and air conditioning service in the Cypress, TX area.
We cater to all your heating and cooling needs. So don’t hesitate to contact us at 972-278-3506 and make sure your HVAC system is ready for the new season!
