During the winter months, snowstorms are common and you need to make sure that your HVAC system is running optimally and you need to take proper measures to make sure that the furnace is running smoothly while the air conditioning unit is protected for the upcoming summer months.
Before the winter begins it is better to get an AC service in Stuart FL to keep the air conditioner maintained and also get a furnace inspection. Alongside, here are some helpful tips to protect your HVAC unit from snowstorms and harsh winter.
Change the air filters
A clogged air filter can cause major problems for your AC and in winter months, the snow and ice can be a leading cause of damage to the air filter. So, it is better to change the air filters when you see a shift in the weather and temperature or suspect a likely storm. As a general rule, you should change your air filters every three to six months and if you haven’t done so then you should definitely change the filter.
Set higher thermostat temperatures
During cold weather, it is better to keep the thermostat temperature at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you are not at home. This prevents your AC pipes to freeze up during colder months. When the temperature drops below 20 degrees, there is a high risk of the AC pipes to freeze up. So, if you keep the temperature in your home warm, it will prevent the AC pipes and coils from freezing up.
Keep the condenser unit covered
During the winter months, you will not be using the air conditioning unit in your home and thus you will need to protect it against the harsh weather. A good idea is to cover the condenser unit properly so that it is protected from all the snow and ice and other debris that can get into the condenser unit during heavy snowfall or a snowstorm. Buy a weatherproof cover and use it to cover the condenser unit outside properly.
Add some insulation to the condenser
Simply covering the condenser unit may not be enough to protect your air conditioner against the snow. In areas that get extremely cold in the winters, the fluids inside the pipes can freeze up due to the cold, causing damage in the condenser unit and you might need to get an AC repair in Jensen Beach. So providing extra insulation to the pipes and wiring that leads to the AC can be really helpful.
Clean the vents
When the vents are blocked, it prevents the proper airflow in the room and makes it difficult for the air to flow properly in the room, thus leading to unnecessary repairs. When the weather is at its worst, you do not need the unit to not undergo any damage or you will be left without adequate heating. So clean the vents thoroughly and also check if any obstruction like a piece of furniture or appliance is blocking any of the vents.
Get a furnace inspection
Furnaces are prone to wearing down after a certain period of time and furnace repairs can take a while. You do not want to be without a furnace in the midst of a freezing winter, so before the weather gets severely cold, it is better to get furnace maintenance done. Call an HVAC professional and get your furnace inspected and serviced before the winter months begin.
Consider having a generator as a backup
When there is a snowstorm raging outside, there are chances that an electrical line in your area is damaged because of the heavy snow piled up on the electrical lines. If this happens then you and others in your neighborhood will be without any power. Without the power running, you cannot run the furnace or any other appliance in your house, so having a backup generator can be pretty handy.