5 Ways to Winterize Your HVAC System

The home heating season in this region lasts for months, and before the temperatures plummet, take these five steps for winterizing your HVAC system to keep it running dependably and efficiently.

1. Remove the window air conditioners and close and lock the window to prevent drafts. Store in the garage or basement and cover with a tarp.
2. Change the air filter if you use a furnace. A clean filter lowers energy bills, improves indoor air quality and prevents premature breakdowns.
3. Have the heating system professionally serviced. Nearly all the heating systems in this region use a combustible fuel for heating, and winterizing your HVAC system by having it professionally maintained will help it achieve top efficiency and safety. The HVAC technician will verify that the fuel lines are tight and all the safety features work, as well as removing all sooty deposits.
4. Clear away the debris from the outdoor condenser for the air conditioner and hose off the condenser coil and the fins. After it has dried thoroughly, cover it with a tarp and secure it to the condenser with bungee cords.Look for an electrical outlet outdoors near the condenser where it plugs in and pull the plug. Disconnecting the power supply prevents someone from accidentally turning on the A/C when you least need it, and it prevents it from using standby power over the long winter.
5. Tend to the registers. Before turning on the heat, clean the supply and return registers. Removing the dust will increase the air flow through them, which helps heat your home faster. If the grills are overly dusty, use the brush attachment with your vacuum cleaner.

If you use radiant heat, close off the supply and return registers after cleaning them to prevent cold air from circulating into the rooms from the ductwork.

Between the work you do and the services your HVAC contractor provides, winterizing your HVAC system will keep your home comfortable throughout the winter. To learn more, contact C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning, providing HVAC services for Middletown homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about winterizing and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 845-367-4482. 

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “kmicican/Pixabay”