10 Amazing Tips to Winterize Your Home
As the colder weather comes around, you may wonder how to prepare your home for winter. Our team at Absolute Airflow Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing can give you some simple tips that you can do yourself to prepare your home for the colder months.
1. Clean your HVAC Filters
This is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter. By changing or cleaning your HVAC filters, you’ll ensure that your system is running efficiently and that your indoor air quality is good. A dirty filter can restrict the air from circulating in your home.
2. Check Your Insulation
The key to keeping warm in the winter is having an adequately insulated home. Sometimes people forget about the cracks in your home that can let your warm air escape. Check around your windows and doors to ensure there are no gaps. You can also add weather stripping or caulking to seal any cracks.
3. Install Detectors
Now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s also a good idea to install detectors if you don’t already have them. These can be lifesavers in the event of a fire or gas leak.
4. Remove Objects
If any extra objects are blocking your vents, now is the time to remove them. These objects can prevent heat from circulating properly and make your home less energy-efficient. You should do this for the outdoor and indoor units. For your inside unit, you should remove any furniture that is blocking vents. This will make your heater systems more efficient in Riverside, CA.
For outdoor units, you should do a couple of things such as:
- Clear any leaves, grass, or debris that may have accumulated around the unit’s base.
- Trim back any trees or shrubs that might be too close to the unit.
- If there is snow on the ground, make sure it is not blocking the unit
- Clean gutters that are positioned over your HVAC system. This will prevent water from dripping down and causing problems. If you have a heat pump, this could cause icing over and cause moisture damage to other HVAC units
5. Prepare Your Pipes
One of the worst things that can happen in winter is burst pipes. To avoid this, you should:
- Drain all water from outdoor hoses and sprinkler systems.
- If possible, add insulation to your pipes, especially any exposed ones.
- Let your faucets drip a little during cold weather to prevent freezing.
- If you will be away from home for an extended period, make sure to shut off the water in your home.
6. Check Your Fireplace
7. Check Your Furnace
If you have a furnace, it is a good idea to clean or replace the filter and have it serviced by a professional. This will help improve your furnace’s efficiency and ensure it runs properly. They can also check for any leaks or other problems. An HVAC contractor from Absolute Airflow Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing can perform furnace services for residents in Garden Grove, CA, and surrounding areas.
If you have a fireplace, now is a good time to get it cleaned and inspected. Our professional technicians can clean out any debris accumulated over the summer and ensure your fireplace is safe to use.
8. Check Your Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat, check to ensure it is still programmed correctly. If you don’t have one, now might be a good time to invest in one. A programmable or smart thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting the temperature when you are away from home or asleep.
9. Prep the Humidifier
Dry air can cause many problems in winter, such as static electricity, cracked skin, and even nosebleeds. To combat this, you should use a humidifier in your home. A humidifier will replenish the moisture in the air and make your home more comfortable. If you already have one, ensure it is clean and in good working order. You should also change the filter regularly.
10. Cover Up Your Condenser
Your condenser is a vital part of your HVAC system and needs to be protected from the elements. It would help if you covered it with a tarp or plastic sheeting during the winter. This will protect it from snow, ice, and debris.
Of course, the best way to prepare your HVAC system for winter is to get professional maintenance. Our professionals can clean your system, check for any problems, and ensure it runs efficiently. This will help prolong the life of your system and prevent any unexpected breakdowns.
These steps will help you prepare your HVAC system for winter and prevent any issues during the colder seasons. However, if you need a new heater installation and live in Corona, our team can help with too.
Absolute Airflow Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing is one of the leading HVAC contractors in Westminster, CA. If you or someone you know is looking for HVAC
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