Winter is coming.
But is your home ready?
With the arrival of winter, HVAC needs to shift from cooling to heating. Before you make this shift, it’s important to consider a few HVAC winterization steps. With these simple steps, you can make sure your HVAC system is ready for all the unique demands of winter – even if temperatures drop to unusual levels.
The last thing you want is to discover issues with your HVAC system after the chilly season arrives – especially if you have vulnerable family members who desperately need to stay warm (perhaps after a trip to the Union Square Ice Rink). Follow these steps to get ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you this winter:
What Is a Bay Area Heating System Winter Check-Up?
Regardless of the season, all HVAC systems require regular checkups. That being said, winter represents a perfect opportunity to carry out a checkup. Your system may come under strain when temperatures drop and heating kicks in – and it’s best to make sure everything is firing on all cylinders before winter truly arrives.
A checkup is also known as “preventative maintenance.” You might want to schedule semi-annual checkups to prevent existing issues from degrading over time. Spot a problem early, and you can address it relatively easily and affordably. Wait too long before scheduling your next checkup, and you might discover more serious issues that require extensive repairs.
So, what exactly happens during a winter checkup?
Essentially, your HVAC technician will inspect almost every aspect of your HVAC system to identify potential problems. Before winter, the focus will be on the heating system – including any furnaces or boilers. Your technician may also check the thermostat, the ventilation system, and many other components.
Steps for HVAC Winterization
- Test the Furnace: For most Bay Area families, the furnace represents the top priority during winter. Your furnace keeps your home warm, and it makes sense to inspect this device carefully as part of the overall winterization process. Bay Area HVAC professionals can check the thermocouple, the gas valve, the pilot light, and other important furnace components. They may also check for mold.
- Check the Water Heater: Hot showers and baths during winter are lovely during winter, but they are only possible with a fully functioning water heater. During a winter checkup, your HVAC technicians will check the water heater for corrosion, fire hazards, and other potential issues.
- Inspect the Ducting: Any issues with ducting or seals will drastically lower the efficiency of your heating system. HVAC professionals can carefully inspect windows, doors, and ventilation ducts for air leaks. By addressing these leaks before winter, you can keep more toasty-warm air inside your home without wasting energy.
- Switch-Off Fans: If you have any automatic fans in your home, switching them off might be a good idea. Basement fans can be especially problematic, as they can push cool air upwards through the home and lower the efficiency of a heating system.
- Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning represents a smart winterization step. With a heating system free of removing mold, mildew, and dust, you’ll enjoy cleaner air, lowered fire risks, and higher energy efficiency.
- Change Filters: Replacing filters is an obvious step as you approach winter. Consider using a filter that meets HEPA/clean air standards set forth by California regulators.
- Reset the Thermostat: The last thing you need is a faulty thermostat when you’re desperately trying to stay warm. HVAC pros can reset this component and make sure it’s working accurately.
- Cycle Dampers: Fresh air dampers might also require attention. HVAC technicians may clean intake screens, add lubrication, and cycle dampers to ensure optimal performance.
- Inspect Compressors: If your home has a heat pump, the outdoor compressor may need cleaning. It’s also a good idea to clear away vegetation and debris that may have piled up over the warmer months.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Tips for Winter
Here are some tips for higher energy efficiency this winter:
- Check thermostat settings
- Add more insulation
- Fix drafts around windows
- Close up your chimney
- Consider supplemental heating
Call TFF for Seasonal HVAC Upkeep in the Bay Area
Although internet research can provide some basic pointers regarding HVAC winterization steps, sometimes it’s best to call in the pros. After all, each home is slightly different – and various Bay Area families have unique needs. Your winterization priorities might differ based on your existing HVAC system, the age and health of your family members, and many other factors.
Contact us at TFF HVAC to schedule a free estimate for your winterization needs today and work with a small, family-owned, operated HVAC company. We’re laser-focused on customer service and can help you prepare for a toasty-warm winter.
Click here to schedule your free estimate.
