Preventative HVAC Maintenance

It’s no secret that most people rely extensively on their HVAC systems during the winter months. To combat the cold outside, you need a working heater to keep the inside comfortable throughout the day and night. Unfortunately, this also means you put a lot of strain on the HVAC system whenever you use it during the cold weather. Freezing temperatures, in particular, can be potentially damaging to the pipes and components of your HVAC system when they aren’t properly cared for. If you know what to look for and how to keep things working, this is a possibility you can easily avoid on your own or with a hired professional. Here’s are some steps you can take at the start of this winter season to keep your HVAC system working perfectly.

Insulation

Your HVAC system is mainly made up of pipes with water running through on a daily basis. If exposed to cold air, the water in pipes around exterior walls and outdoors can freeze. When this happens the metal can become brittle crack or break under the strain. To prevent this from happening, you can insulate the most at-risk sections of these pipes using something like polyurethane foam, which you can find at your local hardware store.  Plumbing supply stores can also provide specialized insulation blocks to make the whole process easier. This insulation will help you keep the pipes working normally without the risk of water freezing unexpectedly.

Regular Maintenance

Just like any other component, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance in order to remain at peak efficiency. Typically, you should schedule at least two checkups with a certified professional each year, ideally before winter and summer come. A professional will be able to look over your HVAC system for any signs of damages or wear and tear. More importantly, this professional will also take the necessary steps to fix and winterize your HVAC if necessary. This can include common things like insulating pipes, as well as swapping out at-risk parts with better-protected versions. Usually, this process takes a day or so to get through the entire system and can cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars if extensive repairs or additional parts are required. Regardless, you’ll save in comparison to the costly repairs and replacements that are necessary when something goes wrong with your HVAC system.

Monitoring Your HVAC System

One of the most simple and affordable ways to keep your HVAC system running is to keep an eye out as you use it. Since you are in constant contact with your system, you know when it’s working perfectly. This means you can keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. This may come in the form of unexpected noises, issues with the system working, or random leaks or puddles around certain areas of your home. When anything abnormal presents itself, you should take action immediately by calling a professional. Most HVAC related issues are time sensitive, so taking action quickly can make the difference between a minor repair and a total system replacement.

Taking The Right Steps

It isn’t difficult to keep your HVAC system working continuously throughout the winter. Taking these steps and letting a professional handle it, will keep your system running smoothly. The most important thing is to stay on top of the regular care and maintenance of the system. When you do this, you reduce the chance of anything catastrophic going wrong. If you’d like to set up an appointment for the new year, contact us to learn all about the HVAC services we can offer.