Winter comes with a variety of tasks that need to be completed. One such task is winterizing your HVAC system so it can keep working efficiently and provide heat during these frigid months.
With colder temperatures and shorter days, it’s essential to take care of your home so that you can stay comfortable throughout the season.
Winterizing your unit will require some work on your part, but it’s not too difficult with the right tools and advice. This article will cover what you need to know about winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA so you can get started today!
What is Winterization?
Winterization is the process of turning off your heater and blocking drafts. This process typically takes place in the fall, but it can be done whenever appropriate for your schedule.
The main goal of winterization is to protect your unit from the cold weather and keep your home comfortable. By proper winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA, you can save yourself time and money by preventing costly repairs down the road.
Is Winterization Important?
Yes, winterization is important. Your heater will be working twice as hard to combat the cold weather, so it’s essential to take some simple steps to help preserve its efficiency.
Blocking drafts and properly winterizing your unit can save you up to 30% on your energy bill! Not only will this keep you warm all season long, but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint.
What to do Before Winterizing Your Unit
Before having your winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA, several things should be taken care of so that everything goes smoothly:
- Purge the lines
Flush out any water inside them using a garden hose or compressor before turning your unit off. Once air flows through the line, all remaining liquid will exit, making sure no damage occurs when winterization begins.
It’s also important not to use an ice maker while flushing because their built-in drain eliminates this step!
- Replace the filters
Be sure to replace all filters in your system since they will be more likely to rip and tear once the colder weather arrives. This is especially important if you have an older unit that may not operate as efficiently with damaged or dirty air filters.
Ideally, it would be best to swap out your filters every 30-45 days for cleaner air throughout the winter months.
- Cover exposed pipes and drains
If you have any exposed water lines or drainage systems outside, be sure to protect them from potential damage by wrapping everything up with insulation and plastic sheeting before beginning this project.
This includes outdoor fixtures, heat pump vents, drainpipes, etc. If left unprotected, they may freeze over, which could cause further complications down the road, so it’s best to stay prepared!
- Trim the bushes
Ensure no shrubbery, weeds, branches, etc., are blocking any vents on your unit. You want maximum airflow when it’s cold outside, so prioritize this before winterizing your HVAC system!
With these tips, you can prepare for winterization with confidence and ensure your heater is ready to handle the cold weather ahead!
How to Winterize Your HVAC System
Now that you’ve taken care of the preliminary steps, it’s time to winterize your unit. This process will vary depending on your type of system, but these general tips should give you a good starting point:
- Turn off the power
Shut off the breaker or unplug your unit before beginning. You don’t want any accidental start-ups while you’re working!
- Clear debris from your outdoor unit
Use a broom or blower to clear away any leaves, twigs, dirt, etc., from around your outdoor unit. This will help ensure proper airflow and keep everything running when temperatures start dropping.
- Disable fan switch (if applicable)
If your system has a fan switch, be sure to disable it before winterizing. This will prevent the fan from circulating cold air and make the process more difficult.
- Close off the indoor unit (if applicable)
Some systems have an indoor unit that also needs to be winterized. If this is the case for you, find the main power shut-off valve and close it off completely using either a wrench or screwdriver.
Be sure to label it so you know where it is once you’re ready to turn your unit back on!
- Turn off the water supply valve
Locate your home’s water shut-off valve and turn it off completely using either a wrench or screwdriver. With the water turned off, you won’t have to worry about any accidental damage which can occur if there’s a sudden burst of pressure within your system.
These are just some of the basics of winterizing your HVAC system. For more specific instructions, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA.
When Should I Winterize my Unit?
The best time to winterize your unit is as soon as the first signs of cold weather arrive. This way, you can ensure it’s ready for any unexpected weather changes that may occur throughout the colder months ahead.
However, if this isn’t possible and you have to wait until later in the season before beginning, try not to procrastinate since a sudden cold snap can be brutal on an unprepared system.
Problems You May Encounter
If you’re not careful, winterizing your HVAC system can cause more problems than it solves. Here are a few of the most common issues people run into when trying to do this on their own:
Frozen Pipes
During the winter season, it’s not uncommon for water pipes to freeze up. This can be a major problem if the pipe is located in an inaccessible area, such as behind a wall or in the attic.
If you suspect one of your pipes has frozen, don’t try to thaw it out with a blowtorch or other open flame! This could lead to a severe fire hazard. Instead, contact a professional or wait until the pipe has thawed before trying to turn it back on.
Damaged Equipment
Since you’re working in less-than-ideal conditions when winterizing an HVAC system, it’s possible that some of your components could be damaged.
Whether you slip and fall on a patch of ice or accidentally cut into the wrong pipe, it’s essential to be mindful that your unit isn’t designed for these conditions.
The best thing you can do is minimize this risk by using common sense when working around any moving parts.
If something feels suspicious, don’t force it! It might be time to call in some help from an HVAC technician who can handle the process safely without damaging your system.
Electrical Shorts
Working with electricity can be incredibly dangerous, whether you’re an everyday homeowner or a professional. There’s even more risk involved when winterizing because your system may have been sitting dormant for several weeks before you started working on it again.
Once the temperatures start to drop and everything starts up once more, there could be some serious electrical problems that arise due to dust build-up around any moving parts inside your unit. So be sure to ask a professional and be careful when working on any electrical components!
Mold Growth
Since mold thrives in moist environments, it’s not uncommon for HVAC systems to be prime targets during the winter months. Unfortunately, this problem can easily get out of control if you’re not careful when turning your unit back on after doing any maintenance work.
If water is left standing anywhere within your system or other signs indicating a potential growth issue, call in some help from an expert before trying anything yourself. There may have already been damage done that cannot be repaired without professional assistance!
Proper safety precautions
No matter whether you’re hiring someone else to take care of winterizing your HVAC system or attempting the job yourself, never forget about proper safety measures.
If possible, shut off the power before beginning; make sure everything is labeled, so you know what goes where when it comes time to turn everything back on, and always use caution around moving parts.
These are just a few of the potential problems you could encounter when winterizing your HVAC system. If you’re not sure how to handle a particular situation, it’s always best to consult with a professional winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA, before proceeding. That way, you can avoid any costly damages down the road.
Let a Professional Winter Heater Maintenance in Ambler, PA Help You!
Winterizing your unit is a necessary task, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved before starting. If you’re unsure how to handle a specific situation, you can always call for professional help.
At Infinite Mechanical, we provide quality winter heater maintenance in Ambler, PA to ensure your system is ready for the colder months. Our team has the experience and expertise to handle any heating issue.
Our technicians are equipped with the latest tools and technology, making us the ideal choice for all your heating needs.
