5 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

When it comes to HVAC system upkeep, you’re probably already familiar with the basics: change the filters, check your outdoor unit is free of debris and keep an eye and ear out for unusual activity that could signal an issue. While this is all well and good, how much have you thought about ensuring your system is ready for the upcoming winter months?

The reality is that HVAC systems are at their very best when seasonal maintenance is performed to pre-empt problems before they start. So, how do you get the most of your HVAC system this winter? Find out more below.

Clean Your Unit

While you want to keep your unit free of heavy debris, like leaf pile-ups and weeds, all year round, giving it a good clean is a great way to boost its performance before the worst of winter hits. Firstly, turn off your system and use a broom to remove debris. Then, depending on how much dirt has built up, you can either wipe the unit down with a damp cloth or gently wash it with a hose, taking care to not damage any internal parts with too harsh a spray.

Perform a Sound Check

After cleaning, you can turn your system back on and listen out for any strange noises that might signify a bigger issue. Banging or rattling sounds that persist after the system has been up and running for a while could be a cause for concern that should be investigated.

Check Your Room Temperature

It’s a good idea to check how effectively your system is warming up your home, especially before outdoor temperatures drop. Testing this is pretty straightforward: simply turn up the heat, give it some time and then do a full walk-through of your home, checking each room for warmth. Not only will this give you a better idea of the airflow in your property, but will also give you an opportunity to see if there are certain closed vents that you want open, or vice versa. Rooms that aren’t warm when the rest of the house is may lack insulation or have an obstructed vent that can be fixed by rearranging items of furniture. 

Cover Your Unit

While some homeowners advocate covering your outdoor unit during the winter for added weather protection, others claim that this is a bad idea because trapped moisture beneath can aid mould growth. If you’re unsure what to do in this regard, a good compromise is to simply stay diligent about removing any snow or debris that’s on or around your unit. You could also even add a wind barrier if you live in a region with a particularly harsh weather climate.

Schedule a Tune-Up with an Air Conditioning Engineer

If any of the previous steps reveal areas for concern, you should call in a professional to investigate further. A seasonal tune-up can be useful regardless of whether anything seems amiss, as it can improve the efficiency of your unit and pre-emptively identify any problems.

Looking for AC Installation & Maintenance Services?

As mentioned above, the best way to ensure that your home aircon is functioning at its best is to schedule routine maintenance appointments. As one of the Midlands’ leading HVAC Companies, Westcott Air Conditioning can provide a range of air conditioning services, including AC installation, maintenance and breakdown repair, to meet your needs. Contact our expert team today for more information.