How to Get Your HVAC Ready for Winter

It’s that time of year again when we must prepare our HVAC system for the upcoming winter season. Winterizing your outdoor appliances may seem like work that isn’t all that necessary, but when you consider how little effort helps to keep the AC working, you will soon realize how important a little care becomes. Here are some tips and instructions to use as part of your winter season preparation.

Winter HVAC Preparation

CAUTION: Always remove power from the unit before attempting to perform work on the unit.

 

  • Remove any leaves or other debris from in and around the condenser unit. The condenser is inside the large outdoor unit that houses the blower and the condenser together. Leave a three-foot clearance around and above the unit if possible.
  • Use a soft brush to loosen or remove accumulated dirt or leaves stuck between the fins of the condenser. Carefully straighten any bent fins. They’re sharp, so use a putty knife or something similar.
  • Unscrew and remove the top grill, then remove the blower just enough for access without twisting or breaking the wire harness. The fans are bulky, so be careful not to hurt yourself.
  • Unscrew and remove the top grill, then remove the blower just enough for access without twisting or breaking the wire harness. The fans are bulky, so be careful not to hurt yourself.
  • With both hands now free, clean inside near the condenser. These areas collect leaves and dirt and can prevent the unit from cooling if it’s bad enough to choke off airflow to the condenser coils.
  • Use a water hose and spray off the condenser fins and put everything back together. You’re now ready to restore power. Now is a good time to listen carefully while the unit is running for odd sounds that might show potential problems.
  • One of the most important steps is to replace the air filter. Without proper airflow, nothing in your HVAC systems can operate efficiently and dramatically improve your indoor air quality.

 

After you’re finished and the unit is off for the season, cover the unit with an AC cover that fits snug, but not so tight that it prevents ventilation. Good ventilation helps prevent moisture that leads to rust. Also, a good fitting cover helps stop small animals from nesting there and chewing thru wires and doing other damage you won’t find until next season. 

 

Call a Professional

There’s no reason to let winter HVAC preparation go because you’re unable or worried about doing the work yourself. This type of work doesn’t appeal to everyone, and it’s understandable why you would rather someone else do the work.

 

We recommend calling a professional technician for this work because they’re familiar with your model and its requirements. Also, they will advise you on the best ways to keep your unit operating its best for years to come. Winter HVAC Preparation

 

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Do you know that regular homeowner maintenance with a little professional help mixed in makes up the most significant influences on a properly running HVAC system?

Some benefits include:

 

  • An increased comfort level during hot summers by controlling humidity and providing lasting cooling.
  • Less frequent repairs mean longer periods of uninterrupted operation, thanks to periodic maintenance.
  • Lower energy costs directly result from an efficient system.
  • The entire system lasts longer because of regular maintenance over its lifetime.

 

We suggest you team up with your favorite HVAC professionals and devise a workable maintenance plan. It will pay off in the long run and help ensure many years of trouble-free operation. 

 

Contact Hammock’s AC

If you have any questions about how to get your HVAC ready for winter, call Hammock’s AC to speak with one of our seasoned technicians. We can inform, inspect, or repair any cooling or heating system quickly and efficiently. To find out more, please contact us today by phone or via our website. 

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