Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Winter is here and if you haven’t already checked to make sure your HVAC system can survive the frigid temperatures, right now is the time to do it.

If you maintain your HVAC system properly, you reduce your energy bill and the risk of costly repairs. During a preventative maintenance appointment, your local HVAC technician will check several components of your unit.

Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The HVAC technician will check the following areas of your HVAC system:

• Thermostat Settings: If anything unusual has been happening with your thermostat, now is the time to fix it. Improper thermostat settings can heavily influence the amount you owe on your energy bill. Ensuring your thermostat settings are accurate will help you save energy and maintain a comfortable temperature.

• Electrical Connections: If electrical connections are defective, they could potentially damage your HVAC equipment or make it dangerous to operate. Your HVAC technician will check the motors to make sure they have the correct voltage and current.

• Condensate Drain: If your condensate drain is clogged, it could result in water damage, mold and increased humidity inside your home.

• System Controls: If your system controls are not working properly, it could create a safety issue.

• Moving Parts: If the moving parts of your system are not properly lubricated, friction in the motors can occur, which will drive up your energy costs.

• Clean Air Filter: Keeping your air filter clean is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters regularly.

• Humidifier: If your humidifier is clogged with mold and debris, it will not operate effectively.

• Gas/oil Connections: Faulty gas or oil connections are a danger to your health and can become a fire hazard.

• Gas Pressure: The gas pressure needs to be measured to ensure your furnace is working safely, efficiently and at the correct firing rate.

• Burner Combustion: If your burner is not clean, it can cause a faulty burner operation, which could result in safety issues and energy waste.

• Heat Exchange: An issue with your HVAC systems heat exchanger can reduce the efficiency of your unit and create safety problems.

• Pilot Light: If your pilot light is not kept clean, it will not work correctly. Keeping the pilot light clean will save energy and extend the life of your furnace.

• Furnace Thermostat: If your furnace thermostat is not working properly, it may not generate heat. The furnace thermostat needs to be checked.

Although for many of its parts, your HVAC system requires winter maintenance by an HVAC professional, there are a few things you can easily do yourself to ensure your system makes it through the winter without any issues.

To help you out, we’ve provided a few Winter preventative maintenance HVAC tips.

7 Homeowner Winter Preventative HVAC Maintenance Tips

Important: Turn off power to your HVAC unit before carrying out any maintenance. Turning the unit off prevents the risk of electrocution while performing upkeep.

1. Clean the AC Unit: Are there any leaves, twigs or other debris on or surrounding your AC unit? If there are, sweep or rinse off the debris with a hose. Allow the unit to dry. Removing debris will prevent your unit from clogging and malfunctioning.

2. Inspect the AC Unit: Be on the look-out for rust, cracks, and leaks that may have developed in the casing. You also want to make sure the seals are tight. If you notice any abnormalities, contact us.

3. Cover the AC Unit: In order to protect your HVAC system from potential damage caused by debris, securely cover your unit with a waterproof vinyl or plastic cover. Your local home improvement store sells covers that are specifically made for HVAC systems.

4. Add Extra Insulation: Adding extra insulation prevents the wires and fluid in your systems pipes from freezing. Cover your unit’s exposed pipes and wiring with foam pipe covers, securing them with duct tape.

5. Listen to the Compressor: Do you hear any strange noises coming from your unit? If you hear clunking, grinding or buzzing noises, your HVAC system should be inspected by an HVAC professional.

6. Change the Filter: There’s no way around it – During the cooler months, cranking up the heat is the easiest way to stay comfortable in your home. Because you’re using the heat more often, your air filters will be working harder to filter out the dust and debris in your home. We recommend changing your ac filter out every month to prevent clogging and poor indoor air quality. You can learn more about how to change your AC filter here.

7. Check the Unit Regularly: We highly recommend you keep up with your winter preventative HVAC maintenance. Sweep away debris that collects around the unit and remove water, frost or ice that builds up on your HVAC system’s cover.

Call Colman Heating & Air to Become a Planned Maintenance Customer Today

Looking for the best way to save on AC maintenance? Sign up to be a Colman Heating & Air’s Planned Maintenance Customer today! When you sign up for planned maintenance, you will receive:

• 2 Comprehensive AC Cleanings per Year
• Priority Scheduling
• 10% Off All Parts

Call Colman Heating & Air Conditioning at (321) 269-4565 or contact us online to find out how you can join our Planned Maintenance program today!