5 Steps to Winterize Your Heating System

Winterizing your HVAC system is an important part of preparing for colder weather. Without proper winterization, HVAC units can be susceptible to damage from ice and cold air. Make sure your HVAC system is ready for winter with these 5 tips:

Inspect the Furnace 

Before the cold weather sets in, we recommend inspecting your furnace to ensure it is ready for the season. First, make sure there is no dust or debris on, inside, or around the furnace. Next, you need to turn on your heat and inspect the furnace while it is on. Make sure the flame is blue–not yellow. A yellow flame indicates the production of carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that causes health and safety concerns. After you’ve confirmed that your furnace has a blue flame and is free of debris, allow it to run for a couple of hours to ensure it is free of any problems before the winter season begins. 

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes are at risk of freezing and cracking from the winter weather. If your HVAC unit has exposed pipes outside or in a covered area like a garage, we recommend adding insulation to prevent damage. One quick and easy way to insulate pipes is by using foam pool noodles. Simply cut the side of a pool noodle and wrap it around the exposed pipe to give it added insulation against the harsh weather. You can also purchase pipe insulation tape to further protect your pipes. 

Change the Filters 

It’s important to change the air filters on your HVAC unit before winter arrives. Over time, air filters get clogged with dust, mold, and dander, all of which leads to decreased airflow and quality. In extreme cases, clogged air filters can cause poor air quality that can be dangerous to your health.  If you haven’t switched filters recently, make sure to do so while winterizing your HVAC unit. Changing your air filters is an easy but crucial step in keeping you and your family safe this winter. 

Clean the Air Vents 

Like air filters, the air vents in your HVAC system contribute to the overall air quality inside your home. So, when winterizing your unit, we recommend cleaning the air vents to ensure there is no dirt, debris, or other build-ups on or around the supply and return air vents. As the winter weather kicks in, you’ll want to make sure there is nothing blocking the supply of air vents, such as snow, ice, or yard debris. Make sure these air vents are clear so you can receive the best quality air inside your home. 

Schedule HVAC Maintenance 

Regular HVAC maintenance is a key step in ensuring your unit is ready for winter. At Carolina Comfort Air, we offer professional HVAC maintenance to keep your system running at peak performance all winter long. Not only does regular maintenance help prepare your unit for the season ahead, but it can also help extend the life of your unit and prevent costly breakdowns. 

Ready to start winterizing your heating system? Contact us today at (919) 367-3818 to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC specialists!

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