Winter will be here before you know it. As the temperatures continue to fall, you will want your property all ready for wintertime.
Winterizing your home correctly not only ensures you’re toasty for winter, but that you’re also saving money with properly running HVAC systems. And when everything operates as it should, you reduce fire and carbon monoxide risks.
To ensure your home is properly winterized, here are common winterizing mistakes to avoid.
Not having your furnace inspected
Don’t wait until it snows to have your furnace checked. Your furnace should have a clean filter, to cut down on carbon monoxide risks. If the filter is dirty, your furnace must work harder to pump warm air around your house. Call HVAC professionals for furnace installations and repairs to make sure everything is running efficiently
Not keeping the area around your furnace clear
Clutter around your furnace poses a fire hazard. Keep the area clear for safety and ease of access. Plus, you don’t want anything blocking the air vent, which hurts affects the efficiency of the furnace.
Not testing your thermostat before winter
Like with your furnace, make sure your thermostat actually works before winters sets in. To test, turn off AC mode, and test in Heat mode. Wait for the click of the unit turning on, then run the heat for several minutes. You should then feel warm air circulating. Not feeling any warmth? Call a professional to check your thermostat.
Turning on the heat when your thermostat is still set in AC mode
If your thermostat is still in AC mode, you won’t feel the heat. Turn off the AC mode, then switch the heat on. This will activate the heating system.
“Set it and forget it” approach on thermostats
Many people set the thermostat to a specific temperature, then forget about it. However, this can cost you more money over time. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature several degrees lower for when nobody is at home. This approach is cost efficient.
Not shutting down your AC before winter
There’s no need for AC during wintertime, so shut it off before the first snowfall. Failing to shut down your AC before the colder months can be disastrous for both the unit and overall system. Moisture from rain and snow can damage your AC unit beyond repair. The result? A pricy replacement.
To shut off your AC system completely, use the AC breaker switch outside. Then, cover the outside unit (the condenser) to keep water out.
Covering AC units with plastic
While you want to cover outside AC units during the winter, be careful of which exact cover you use. Avoid plastic covers, as plastic traps moisture. This can result in deterioration or rust. To best protect your AC unit, use a cover that is specifically intended for outdoor AC units.
Not sealing air leaks
Air leaks are energy thieves, which increases your energy costs. Air leaks are usually found around doors and windows. Use weather stripping to seal in your environment and save on energy.
Forgetting to reverse ceiling fans
Did you know that the direction your ceiling fan spins can affect whether warm or cool air circulates in a room? When a ceiling fan spins counterclockwise, cooler air is pushed down and cools the room. When a ceiling fan spins clockwise, warm air is pushed down, warming the room.
Not cleaning the dryer vent
Lint, a literal fire starter, will accumulate around your dryer vent. Be sure to clean the dryer vent every six months to reduce fire hazard. During the winter, you especially want to keep the dryer vent clear, as snow accumulation can block the vent.
Not checking your smoke detectors
Many homeowners neglect their home’s smoke detectors. Check each smoke detector and replace any old or dead batteries.
Relying on your smoke detectors only
While having a carbon monoxide detector is always smart, it shouldn’t be a substitute for an annual inspection.
Skipping on HVAC inspections
Regular maintenance ensures all is running smoothly and safely. And even better: annual inspections can save you money in the long term. When your heating system works as it should, you save money.
Main Takeaway: Schedule an HVAC Inspection Before the First Snowfall
Don’t wait until the first cold snap to winterize your home. By avoiding common winterizing mistakes, not only will your home be cozy, but safer as well. It’s worth contacting HVAC experts to check your heating systems, rather than waiting until a system malfunction or breakdown that can cost you much more in the long run.
This article was written by Leah Campbell for Third Loft Marketing.
