Winter HVAC Chores
With winter approaching, weather changes mean that HVAC systems will soon be needed to heat homes. Comfortable temperatures give homeowners time to perform fall and winter maintenance to ensure the system runs smoothly for optimal performance, safety, and energy efficiency. Regularly completing these HVAC system chores will prevent the most common problems these fragile units can experience over the winter months.
Cleaning debris and leaves
HVAC units depend on proper airflow to keep pumps and vents running smoothly and bring clean, fresh air into the home. Fallen leaves and other debris can accumulate around the exterior units and block them during the fall and winter, making the system run longer and work harder to maintain optimal temperatures. If the leaves are left all winter, they can decompose and create more problems later.
Avoid storing anything that might obscure the vents and impede airflow for the exterior or interior vents. When winter sets in, shoveling snow near the exterior unit becomes a similar never-ending task, but this will keep it safe from freezing over or becoming blocked. Clearing the external unit of leaves and snow can be time-consuming, but owners can avoid costly system repairs due to a lack of airflow.
Filter changes
Depending on what type of filter you use in the house, it may need to be replaced monthly, yearly, or a timeframe somewhere in the middle. In general, higher-quality HEPA filters require less maintenance and can be washed down with special cleaning solutions to keep them grime-free and usable for the upcoming seasons. On the other hand, less expensive fiberglass and mesh filters need to be disposed of when they get dirty since they can’t get reused. Check the filter regularly and follow the cleaning or disposal instructions to ensure the HVAC system keeps circulating enough clean air through the ducts.
Coil checks
Evaporator and condenser coils pose the most problems for owners since they can be damaged by motor vibrations and leak refrigerant fluid. A leak can be challenging to spot and may take a while to make itself known in the form of higher energy costs. An increased utility bill is typically a good indicator that the HVAC system doesn’t work as well as it should, and the coils are among the easiest places to check. Frozen, bent, or grimy coils are a good sign calling a professional repair service is necessary. Freezing temperatures can make it much harder to check these units outside during winter, so do it before your fingers stick to them.
Insulation checks
Windows and doors are usually the largest openings in the house, and they allow hot air to escape to the outside through even the tiniest cracks. The harsh summer sun can damage the paint and insulation layers around the windows and doors or crack the joinery or woodwork itself. Sealing the cracks and contacting a repair service to ensure the house is well-insulated can lower the heating bills considerably.
Checking the carbon monoxide detector
A faulty HVAC system, specifically the furnace, can leak carbon monoxide into the air that is then circulated into the house. Carbon monoxide is toxic but imperceptible to humans until its effects become evident. A carbon monoxide detector is a vital piece of protective gear that prevents potentially deadly furnace faults. Checking the battery and testing the device gives owners peace of mind during the winter and alleviates the need for intensive furnace inspections.
The HVAC system is designed to run throughout the year, and any sudden differences from the previous season can be a cause for concern. If you want to relax this winter, contact a professional HVAC service to inspect the entire system and get ahead of any minor issues before they become major problems.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817) 439-9811.
