Although summer is still in full swing, winter will be here before you know it. That’s not something many of us want to think about (unless you love snow sports up in the mountains). Today, we want to talk about the importance of preparation. Specifically, you need to prepare your HVAC for winter so that, when the temperature drops, you don’t need to worry about whether you can keep your house warm.
How do you prepare your HVAC for winter?
It starts with making a small purchase. First, replace your air filters… If you don’t do anything else that we recommend today, at least replace your air filters. This serves several purposes. With your return air duct, air passes through the filter before entering your furnace. This keeps dangerous dirt and debris from clogging up and damaging the internal workings of your furnace.
It also helps to improve indoor air quality by keeping those pathogens at bay before they reenter your home. A good rule of thumb is to replace your air filters every three months. But, if you haven’t done so in a while, at least do it before winter hits.
…And then buy some backups
Did you catch the every three months comment above?
Replacing your HVAC air filters is akin to replacing the engine oil in your car or truck. You want to do this consistently so that your HVAC system operates at full operational capacity all year long. More often than not, your furnace is in the basement. That means it’s out of sight, out of mind. You can set a timer for yourself to buy a new filter, but if you don’t go to the store for a while, it’s easy to miss or forget about. Having a small stash of backup filters to swap in every three months is a great way to prepare your HVAC for winter.
Clean the system
Some aspects of cleaning your HVAC system should be handled by a professional. Others are more straightforward, such as cleaning the outside of the unit. This applies to both your soon-to-be turned-off AC and in full-swing furnace. Hose down the coils and let them air dry. Then cover the AC after trimming back any bushes, shrubs, or grass that is around it.
Check your thermostat schedule
If you use a smart thermostat or have a timer, make certain that you’re ready for winter by reviewing its schedule. The last thing you want is to come home to a freezing house if your thermostat is still in summer mode.
Schedule an annual maintenance check
Finally, now is the right time to schedule an annual maintenance check with Beehive Heating and Air. Each member of our team is trained and certified, ready to assist with all of your needs. We’ll help you prepare your HVAC for winter and ensure that your home stays safe, cozy, and comfortable all season long.
Give us a call at (801) 980-0903, or send us an email to schedule your appointment today. You can also send us a message to book your visit through our website here.