Winter HVAC Maintenance

Tips for Winter HVAC Maintenance

Temperatures have begun to drop and air pollutants increase.  It is also the perfect time to begin your HVAC maintenance for the frigid winter weather months to follow.  

HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning

It is important to do some seasonal cleaning, and schedule a maintenance visit to tweak your system for maximum output.  Cleaning your air conditioner's outside unit is one of the necessary tasks to maintain your HVAC system.

Follow these five easy steps:

·         Open the metal box near your outside unit, and turn the switch to the off position

·         Use a water hose to spray off any loose debris

Spray the unit with coil cleaner

·         Wait 15 minutes to let the cleaner foam and bond with the dirt on the coils

Rinse the coil cleaner off with the hose

Dirty coils and blower parts can negatively affect your indoor air quality.  If this HVAC maintenance is not done, bacteria, fungi, and pollen can build up in your system.  Breathing those things in can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, asthma attacks, or even flu-like symptoms.  Regular HVAC maintenance will reduce any contamination of your air stream, which ensures a healthier household.

Replace the Filter

Change your filter every season to clear your home's HVAC and ductwork.  A clean filter can increase productivity by 15%, which will save you money and require less HVAC maintenance.

Consider an Upgrade

Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your HVAC unit, because the temperature is usually not too hot or too cold.  If your system is old, now is the time to make the change.  You don't want to wait and end up changing your furnace during the dead of winter.

Warm it Up

Another important part of HVAC maintenance involves keeping your system warm and loose.  Just like a car, your HVAC system benefits from regular use.  Run your unit a few weeks before the weather turns cold and it will be primed for use when the time comes to begin using it.

Prepare your Outdoor Unit for the Cold

HVAC maintenance includes making sure your outside unit does not freeze over.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to clear the airflow, change your refrigerant, and keep it warm.  When the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees, cover the unit with a thick blanket.  If you haven't already, it is time to purchase a blanket that will protect your unit from ice.

Regular HVAC maintenance can actually reduce the potential for costly repairs by as much as 95%.  While you may not be able to avoid all HVAC repairs, this preventive care can save a lot of money and inconvenience down the road by preventing most unexpected heating or cooling emergencies from taking place.  Call the Bloomingdale NJ AC Experts at Air Expo today for all of your winter HVAC needs and beyond.  973-283-0300