Winterizing the heating and air systems will give you peace of mind when heading into the cold weather months. A Greenstream AHU Maintenance Ltd HVAC professional can assess your system needs and make sure that it works properly in the winter. 

 

When it is time to switch the HVAC system from the air conditioner to the heater, a few steps are required to be taken. These steps will ensure that your system is kept in reasonable condition throughout the winter season. Your HVAC system can be winterized by using the following steps.

• Change HVAC Filters

One of the most acceptable ways to maintain your HVAC is to change the filters regularly. If there is a heat pump system that offers both air conditioning and heat, you have to change the filters frequently. If you own pets or someone in the home has allergies, you might change the filters every month.

Before the winter starts, you should check the filters and brush away any dust from the area. If you haven’t turned on the furnace since last winter, you will be required to clean the outside of the cabinet to remove the cobwebs and dirt. 

 

• Clean the Outdoor Unit

In the summer season, the area around your outdoor heat pump can be filled with debris. Therefore, it is essential to remove sticks, grass, and leaves from the site to ensure that the air can move freely. Rain and wind can also build up dirt on the outdoor unit, so with the help of a garden hose, you can gently spray off the unit but should be careful not to bend or damage the coils.

You might also consider cleaning the air returns and registers in your home. These areas can be filled with pet air and become dusty over the summer. Before you turn on the heat for the first time, you should brush off the dirt and wipe down the outside with the help of a cloth.

 

• Get a Cover

It will be best to place a cover over the unit. This will be preventing any debris from getting into it over the winter season. You can purchase a cover at any home improvement store. If you don’t have a plastic cover and don’t plan to buy one, you can use a tarp and a few rocks to cover the unit and prevent any moisture and debris from entering the unit.

 

• Troubleshoot your thermostat

Try to match the temperature that you have set for the thermostat with the actual temperature in different rooms of your house. Inconsistencies might reveal weakness in the HVAC system, thermostat itself or the insulation. If your thermostat is programmable, then adjust the settings so that your heating habits can make sense for the winter routine of your family.