How to Prepare Your Home’s HVAC System for Winter Weather

Guirguis Faltaos - 11/15/2023

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Does your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system develop problems on the coldest day of winter or the hottest day of summer? Extreme weather can take its toll on heating and cooling equipment. As temperatures drop in the winter or rise in the summer, HVAC systems must work harder to keep you comfortable.

To help equipment perform when you most need it, experts recommend seasonal tune-ups in the spring for the air conditioner and in the fall for the heating system. Eagles HVAC Services offers seasonal maintenance services for furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. Our well-trained technicians strive to provide the best service possible. Our goal is to keep your equipment running efficiently throughout the year for your comfort and peace of mind.

Importance of Maintenance

Maintenance checkups ensure that the system operates efficiently and that components are in good working condition. Tune-ups improve energy efficiency, which results in lower energy use and savings on utility bills. Well-maintained systems are better able to maintain indoor comfort and regulate humidity. Studies show that maintenance reduces the frequency of breakdowns. Well-maintained systems tend to last longer, saving money on replacement costs. Furnace maintenance includes checking ignition components to ensure safe operation. Seasonal maintenance is required by many manufacturers to keep warranties valid.

Here are several ways to get your HVAC ready for winter.

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

During a heating system tune-up, HVAC professionals inspect, clean and calibrate all components of an HVAC system, including:

• Air filters
• Burners, piping and heat exchangers on oil and gas equipment
• Electrical contacts and voltage
• System controls
• Blower and blower motor
• Belts and other moving parts
• Condensate system
• Refrigerant levels on heat pumps and air conditioners

We will inform you of any problems identified during the maintenance session and recommend ways to correct them. Making repairs as they are identified can prevent them from becoming serious problems later.

Clean Filter

Keeping the HVAC filter clean ensures that clean air flows freely through the system. Clogged filters impede airflow, which makes the system work harder to produce conditioned air. Airborne particulates that bypass the filter settle on interior components, including ducts. If filters become too dirty, the system may stop working. Homeowners should examine filters each month and clean or change them as needed.

Inspect Outdoor Housing

The outdoor unit houses the compressor. Experts recommend cutting vegetation back approximately three feet from the housing. Inspect and clean the housing regularly to keep grass clippings, dust, twigs and other debris from blocking the vents. Air must flow freely around the unit to ensure coils function properly. This also allows access for cleaning and repairs.

Tidy Up Around the Heating Unit

Heating equipment is often situated in the basement or a closet. Although it is tempting to use the area around the furnace for storage, it is safer to keep it clear and clean. Leave at least three feet around the furnace so that air flows freely around the equipment. Remove flammable items, including textiles and cleaning supplies. Periodically check the area for dust or signs of pests.

Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Gas and oil furnaces produce carbon monoxide as part of the combustion process. A well-maintained system draws gases out of the house through the furnace chimney. However, backdrafting or poor combustion can allow toxic gases to accumulate indoors. Place carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home to alert you if these gases reach harmful levels. Test alarms and replace the batteries on all devices as you prepare for winter weather.

Check Thermostat

Smart thermostats can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by up to 10% when correctly used. Wi-Fi technology lets you adjust your HVAC system from a connected device no matter where you are. Some smart thermostats detect the weather, learn your habits and automatically adjust settings based on your daily routine.

Programmable thermostats let you set temperatures for activities throughout the day, such as reducing temperatures at night when you sleep or when you are away for several hours.

If you have a mechanical thermostat, check the settings for energy savings and comfort. During a maintenance session, technicians will calibrate the thermostat and recommend settings that save energy without loss of comfort.

Call Eagles HVAC Services, the Northern Virginia HVAC Experts

Eagles HVAC Services has served residents and businesses in the Alexandria, Virginia, area since 2017. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, committed to customer satisfaction and technological expertise.

We offer a wide range of heating and cooling services:

• New installations, repairs and maintenance of heat pumps and air conditioning systems
• Ductless mini-split installation, repair and maintenance
• Furnace and boiler installations, repair and maintenance
• Comprehensive indoor air quality services
• Commercial refrigeration services
• Commercial HVAC new installations, repairs and maintenance

We back our work with guarantees on equipment performance and reliability and our services. We offer free estimates for new installations. Our annual maintenance plans include professional tune-ups, discounts on repairs, priority service and 24/7 emergency services.

To schedule a fall maintenance session for your northern Virginia home or business heating system, call Eagles HVAC Services today.

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