Winter weather brings unique challenges to your home and HVAC system. Help your home tackle the cold, and use these preventative steps to stay safe and warm this winter.
1. Test Your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Take a minute to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s easy to forget about these devices or put off the chore, but they really do save lives. Ensure they have power or fresh batteries and are functioning properly. It’s particularly important that your carbon monoxide detector is working in the winter. A malfunctioning furnace could emit carbon monoxide, putting your family at risk.
2. Change Your Air Filter
A fresh air filter allows your HVAC system to run smoothly. Clogged air filters inhibit air flow, making your system less efficient. Don’t make your system work harder and rack up bigger heating bills. Stick to your air filter maintenance schedule and enjoy clean air flowing through your home. Learn more about air filters here.
3. Clean and Clear Vents & Registers
Over time, your vents and registers will build up with dust, dirt, animal hair, and other debris. The next time you pull out your vacuum, add your brush attachment and clean away the buildup. This will help air flow smoothly and keep your system running efficiently. While you’re cleaning your vents and registers, take a moment to ensure they aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains. We recommend keeping at least a foot of clearance between furniture and any vents or registers to allow for proper airflow.
4. Check Your Ductwork for Any Leaks
Ductwork is responsible for delivering warm air around your home. If there is a leak in your ductwork, your system becomes less efficient. Take a look at any visible ductwork in your home and check for holes or leaks. If you find a small leak you can use HVAC foil tape to cover it, but this is just a short term solution. Call an experienced heating and cooling company, like Henry, to inspect your ductwork and complete the repair.
5. Check for Snow & Ice Buildup
Snow accumulation and ice can block essential parts of your HVAC system. When it snows, check your water heater or furnace combustion air intake and exhaust vents are clear. These are located on the outside of your home. If you aren’t sure where to locate them, take a look at your furnace or water heater and follow the PVC pipes to see where they exit. If they exit through the roof, we don’t recommend attempting to do this on your own
Before removing any snow, turn off your system. Gently remove snow from around the vents so they have a minimum clearance of 12 inches.
If you have a heat pump, head outside and examine the coils, fins, fan, grilles, and base pan to check for any buildup. If you find snow, turn off the unit. Remove snow from it using a soft brush, and remove snow from the ground around the heat pump. Piled snow reduces airflow and airflow is needed to get the greatest heat output from the unit. Make sure the water drains away from the unit. If ice has built up on the unit, don’t try to break it off. It is time to call the professionals
6. Do Preventive Work to Avoid Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a serious concern during the winter months. Outdoor pipes or pipes on outer walls of the home are more likely to freeze. To avoid frozen pipes try the following:
- Ensure water is drained from outdoor hoses and bibs
- Close indoor valves supplying water to the outside
- Insulate areas susceptible to the cold like attics, basements and garages
- Keep your home at a steady warm temperature
- Check the insulation around your pipes for any damage
- Open up cabinets so warm air can circulate around pipes
- In extremely cold temperatures, allow a slow drip of continuous water to flow through your faucets
For full information and help on this topic, visit our recent blog post “How to Prevent Frozen Pipes”.
When Heating Issues Happen, Contact Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
We hope our tips will help you stay warm and comfortable over the winter season. Despite your best efforts, there are times when you need to call in the pros who have the experience to tackle issues with your heating system or plumbing. At Henry, our team is ready to diagnose any issues in your home that are preventing you from enjoying ultimate comfort over the cold season. Contact us today for a preventative maintenance visit or any other needs.
