The arrival of colder weather here in the Lorain area signals that it’s time to winterize your HVAC again. By taking steps to prepare your HVAC system now, you’ll help protect it against damage, and enjoy a more comfortable home during the winter months ahead.
Give the HVAC Vents Some Attention
Paying some attention to your HVAC vents now can help prevent airflow restrictions and boost your air quality when you’re running the furnace. Simple remove each vent cover, wipe it down to remove built up dust and debris, then vacuum inside the duct openings. Then, check that all the register louvers are open, and that return air grilles are free from obstructions.
Shut Down the Outdoor A/C Unit
You might think that it’s only necessary to switch your thermostat setting from cooling to heating to shut off your air conditioner, but this leaves it vulnerable to possible damage if it’s accidentally put in cooling mode over the winter. To avoid this, you should also flip the unit’s breaker in your electrical panel, and shut it off via the power switch that’s situated outdoors, near the cabinet.
Tidy Up Around the Unit
When there are piles of leaves and yard debris around your outdoor unit, it can encourage pests like rodents and insects to set up housekeeping. To make the location less attractive, clear away nearby dead vegetation, then open up the cabinet and sweep or vacuum out any debris that has collected inside.
Prevent Compressor Damage
It’s important to protect your A/C’s most costly component – the compressor – from winter harm, especially if your outdoor unit is situated where it’s exposed to falling ice. It’s never advisable to wrap the unit in plastic or a tarp, though, because this can trap condensation that corrodes the metal. It’s best to get your HVAC pro’s advice about how to safely cover the unit, but they’ll likely recommend placing a square of plywood on top, with a couple of bricks to keep it secure.
For more tips on how to winterize your HVAC, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area