Winterizing your HVAC system

Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your home’s HVAC system. According to the Department of Energy, taking good care of your HVAC system can reduce energy usage by up to 25 percent (QTR, 2021). By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure that your system will run efficiently and safely all winter long.

Although Texas winters are typically mild, a winter freeze is not unlikely. Here are 8 winterization tips to help you get your heating and air conditioner system ready for the winter season and an unexpected seasonal freeze.

Taking care of your outdoor pipes: Because you won't be watering the grass over the winter, a good place to start is closing off outside faucets and emptying the pipes. These pipes are typically the first to freeze, so find and turn off the valve for these faucets before it gets too cold.

Seal your ductwork: If your ductwork isn't properly sealed, cold air could seep in. To keep the chilly air out, the US Department of Energy recommends using mastic tape, foil tape, or other heat-resistant tapes. These are the only materials that will endure the heat as the heat continues to run over the winter months. Consider caulking and sealing any existing ducts that enter or leave the property. The objective here is to ensure that your heater does not have to work overtime heating your home, and you don't want to have to fill in cracks and gaps while it's already running. Preparing ahead of time rather than rushing in the winter is always a good idea.

Turn on your furnace sooner than later: The majority of homeowners make an avoidable blunder by waiting for a particularly chilly night to switch on their furnace for the first time. It's not only unpleasant for everyone in your house, but it can also lead to additional expensive issues. It's preferable to detect an issue with your furnace as soon as possible rather than when it's too chilly outside. You should also have smoke, radon, and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. If you don’t have any, we advise purchasing some. Check the batteries in all of them and then test the detectors to make sure they function properly before you turn on your heater. (Smedley, 2021)

Change your HVAC filter: The most basic phase in the winterization of an HVAC system is a simple filter replacement. If you didn't change your unit's filters last fall, it's time to get a new or clean filter ready for the cold months.

Troubleshoot your thermostat: Match the room temperatures to the temperature you've set on your thermostat. Inconsistencies might indicate a problem with your HVAC system, insulation, or the thermostat itself. If you have a programmed thermostat, make adjustments so that your heating pattern makes sense for your family's winter routine.

Clean the air vents: During the winter, you should clean the supply and return air vents to ensure that your heating system is functioning properly. HVAC experts can show you how to clean your vents in the most efficient way possible. When you're rushing to get everything done over the holidays, heating system maintenance will meet this need as well as others.

Get a professional check-up: Before the really cold winter months, have a skilled HVAC specialist check your heating system for any malfunctions. A professional should come out to your home and do the following things:

1. HVAC Services

2. Check vents for blocks or leaks

3. Check for corrosion or cracks on the heat exchanger

4. Check the blower and clean its components, and check the blower door seal

5. Check and clean air intake grills

6. Check the pilot burner (for gas units)

7. Lubricate motor parts

8. Check electrical connections and wires

9. Calibrate thermostat

What Texas Comfort Solutions Offers You

Texas Comfort Solutions is focused and committed to giving you honest HVAC services at a fair price. We’re a local veteran and family-owned business dedicated to treating you and your home with care, respect, and integrity. Our team of reliable and experienced technicians has been repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC systems in the Houston area since 2004.

Whether you’re looking for a system check-up or a completely new system upgrade, we’re here to help you with all your air conditioning and heating needs. To get in touch with us, visit https://www.txcomsol.com/ or call us at (832) 597-4191.

Work Cited

1. An assessment of energy technologies and research ... (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2021, from https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/03/f34/qtr-2015-chapter5.pdf

2. 9 steps to take before turning on furnace for Winter: Smedley. Smedley Service. (2021, November 9). Retrieved December 28, 2021, from https://smedleyservice.com/9-steps-to-take-before-turning-on-your-furnace-for-winter/