Winter is unpredictable, and when there is snow involved, you never know what to expect. Therefore, as this season kicks in and the temperatures begin to drop, it is very important to ensure that your home, office, or workplace is adequately prepared to keep the occupants warm. The most effective way to combat snowstorms and keep everyone safe from the extreme cold temperatures is by preparing your HVAC unit.
There is no denying that your HVAC unit is durable equipment, but it still needs proper maintenance from time to time, especially during winter. You need to understand that your HVAC unit is your primary comfort system. Keeping it in great shape for a snowstorm will go a long way toward conserving energy, lowering energy bills, and extending the unit’s lifespan.
Here are some simple tips that will help you prepare your HVAC unit for a snowstorm.
Schedule an HVAC Unit Inspection
One of the biggest steps you can take when it comes to preparing your HVAC unit for a snowstorm is to schedule an inspection for it. This inspection is done to ensure that your HVAC unit is functioning at peak potential. During the inspection, the technicians will be looking to identify any minor issues that might be affecting your HVAC unit so that they can repair them in good time before they transform into bigger and costlier problems.
The technicians will thoroughly assess everything from the belts and electrical switches to the motor to offer you much-needed peace of mind before the snowstorm begins. Conducting an HVAC inspection is very important because not only does it extend the system’s life, but it also saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
Regulating your home’s temperature is one of the best things you can do during a cold winter filled with snowstorms. Checking your home’s insulation is a great way to keep your home nice and warm throughout the cold winter. As a homeowner, it’s very important to note that keeping your home’s insulation in check will go a long way toward ensuring that the HVAC system runs as efficiently as possible.
Most heat leaves your house through the roof, so it’s only right that you adequately insulate the attic. Another way in which your home loses its heat is through the doors and windows. Therefore, check these areas to ensure that there are no visible cracks and gaps. If there are any, seal them up using insulator kits.
Most people prefer insulator kits because they’re inexpensive, easy to attach, and capable of keeping your home properly insulated throughout the winter. When your HVAC system isn’t competing with the outside air entering your home, you’ll end up saving a lot of money on energy bills and keep it working at peak potential.
Invest in a Generator
During harsh snowstorms, it is very common for electrical lines to become heavier as a result of all the snow piling up on them. This can easily result in the electrical lines falling and leaving you and many other people without power. Without any power, your HVAC unit won’t work as well as other appliances in your home.
Therefore, you need to invest in a backup plan in case you end up without power during a snowstorm. By installing a generator in your home, you’ll have your HVAC unit and other appliances working effectively even when there is no power. However, with so many generator options on the market today, it is in your best interests to consult an HVAC technician so that they can recommend the best one for your needs.
Additionally, if you purchase a portable generator for your home, you need to ensure that it is always operated outside. This is because its internal engine is capable of releasing high amounts of CO, which poses a health risk to you and your family.
Clear the Air Vents
When there is snow in the weather forecast, it means that the weather will be extremely chilly outside. Therefore, you need to ensure that all air vents in your home are clear of any blockages. Some of the things that usually block air vents include clothes, furniture, and other objects.
When these items block the vents, it limits airflow and causes temperature drops inside your home, as well as premature HVAC problems. Also, it’s important to note that when the air vents are blocked, your HVAC system will be forced to work harder to maintain warm temperatures inside your home.
This will end up driving up the energy bill. Therefore, ensure that your air vents are clear of any blockages so that your home can be heated properly without overworking the HVAC unit.
Replace Your Air Filters
It is normal for the air filters within your HVAC system to get dirty over time. This is why HVAC technicians recommend that you change your air filters every three to four months and even more frequently if you have pets or someone who smokes in the house. If you notice that the air filters are dirty, it’s only right that you replace them with new ones.
This is because when the air filters are filled with dust, dirt, and dander, your HVAC unit will need to work harder to provide heat for the entire household. This could lead to more energy consumption and higher electricity bills every month.
If you’re not sure about the best time to replace the air filters, you might consider checking them manually from time to time to confirm if they’re filled up. Having clean air filters will help your HVAC unit work more efficiently during a snowstorm and also extend its lifespan.
Inspect Your Heat Pump
A heat pump is ideally designed to prevent snow from accumulating on your HVAC system. Therefore, before the snowstorm begins, you need to ensure that the heat pump can perform its job properly. You can do this by clearing the top of the HVAC unit of all dirt and debris.
This way, there won’t be any blockages obstructing the heat pump. This ensures that the heat pump works efficiently as there is smooth heat transfer, which is exactly what you need during a snowstorm.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Before a snowstorm, it’s important that you pay more attention to your thermostat. This is to ensure that it always provides the correct reading of the indoor temperature. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, you might want to consider replacing the existing one. This is because programmable thermostats are self-adjusting, meaning that they can provide you with more accurate temperature readings.
Once the programmable thermostat understands your routine and habits, it will automatically adjust to this and give you more control over your home’s temperature even when you’re not around. By investing in a programmable thermostat, you might even end up saving more on energy bills than you thought possible.
Proper HVAC maintenance and inspection requires the knowledge and expertise of a professional technician. At Shines Energy, we’re renowned for offering high-quality HVAC maintenance, heating repair and installation, indoor quality, and air purification services. We also offer a full range of cooling and water heater services. Contact us today and let us take care of all your heating and cooling needs in Dartmouth and the surrounding areas.
