4 Simple Steps To Winterize Your HVAC System

An efficient, fully-functioning HVAC system is absolutely essential for Michigan weather. Between the scorching summers and the freezing winters, millions of people depend upon their heating and cooling systems equally every year.

To keep your HVAC system running smoothly (and efficiently!), it’s important to take a few steps to winterize your system.

• Make sure your AC unit is disconnected. Due to the phantom load effect, your AC unit may still draw trace amounts of electricity even while turned off. Over the course of several months, this can drain a fair amount of energy. To save your energy bill, unplug the AC unit or turn off the breaker.
• Make sure air filters and ducts are clean or replaced if need be. HVAC experts recommend that you replace your air filters every 90 days and clean them every 30 to 45 days. If you have pets or children, your HVAC systems could benefit from even more frequent cleaning. By keeping the filters and ducts free from dust, dirt, and other obstructions, you will dramatically lower your energy bill. Additionally, keeping these clean will lower the chance of a disastrous fire if hot air builds up near combustible obstructions.
• Schedule HVAC maintenance semi-annually. Twice a year HVAC maintenance by a professional is a crucial step in ensuring your furnace, heat pump, water heater, and air ducts are all in good shape and heating your home efficiently. This maintenance can also save you money, as it can identify problems before they result in a costly breakdown.
• Protect against heat loss. Unfortunately, some heat loss is inevitable. Still, some simple steps can trap a lot of heat and keep your house much warmer and your bill much cheaper. Seal all of your ducts with mastic tape, foil tape, or some other heat-resistant tape– ordinary duct tape will not withstand the heat and will fall apart. Similarly, caulk, patch, or weather strip doors and windows to cut down on drafts. You’re paying a lot each month to heat your home, so any heat you’re losing to a draft is a hole in your pocket. If you feel a draft of cold air anywhere, try to locate it and look into how you can block it.

Winterizing your HVAC system doesn’t have to be difficult. If you would like to winterize your system but aren’t sure how, the experts at Great Dane HVAC are here to help. Give us a call today to get started on winterizing your HVAC system!