Winter HVAC MaintenanceHere in the Midwest, frigid temperatures can wreak havoc on your HVAC system when winter rolls around. Not to worry—there are some quick and easy steps you can take to winterize your system before any damage can be done.

1. Start Earlier Rather Than Later

When fall comes around, get your winterizing gear ready before the temperatures starting dropping into the 30s. The best time to winterize your system is when the summer weather has ended and the climate is moving toward the mid-50s. Otherwise, it may be too late to do things like successfully clear out your sprinkler system, which could cause irreparable damage.

2. Plan a Test Run of the Heating System

The best time for this is September to the beginning of October. Waiting any longer could mean not having time to complete any repairs before temperatures drop below freezing. For the purpose of the test, set your thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to see if the furnace kicks on. If it doesn’t, there is likely an issue with the equipment itself. If the furnace kicks on but warm air is not distributing throughout the home, there could be a problem with your vent system.

If you do find an issue, call a registered technician. Many experts recommend calling out a technician to oversee the heating system test so they are on-site to resolve any immediate problems.

3. Clean & Cover the Outdoor A/C Condensing Unit

Harsh winter winds and heavy snows can cause severe damage to your home’s condensing unit. To protect it during the winter months, cover it snugly with a tarp made of a breathable material so that moisture does not collect beneath it. Before covering it, make sure it’s clear of any leaves or other debris that could increase the chances of rusting or freezing inside the unit.

4. Examine All Plumbing Components Before Freezing Weather

Plumbing repairs are among the most expensive for any homeowner, and winter is the most dangerous time of year for your plumbing system. Before temperatures start dropping below 40 degrees, make sure to go around the inside and outside of the house to take care of all exposed pipes.

While the exposed pipes inside your home are usually safe from harsh weather, it’s still important to insulate them before the seasonal freezes start. The best way to do this is to pick up some insulating tape from your local hardware store and then completely cover any exposed pipes.

Still have questions about protecting your HVAC system from extreme temperatures, or need a licensed professional to help winterize your home? Contact us today.

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