On the coldest night in Texas history, temperatures reached 23 degrees below zero. There’s no knowing how cold it might get this year. Before temperatures hit below freezing, it helps to make sure your HVAC system is ready.
Here are seven tips that can help you prepare your HVAC system for winter in Magnolia, Texas. With these tips, you can ensure your family remains warm and comfortable.
Otherwise, issues with your unit could leave everyone shivering.
Don’t let it come to that! Instead, prepare for the coldest month of the year with these tips today.
1. Replace the Filter
First, check the heating unit to determine if it’s time to replace your filter. You should switch out your air filter about every three months. Otherwise, it could get clogged and dirty.
If your air filter is covered in dust and dander, clean air will struggle to move through the unit. Your HVAC system will work twice as hard to operate, leading to wear and tear. Meanwhile, your home’s energy efficiency will drop.
If your heating system works twice as hard to operate, specific components will begin wearing down. The entire unit could break if these components wear down sooner than expected. Before that can happen, make sure to check your air filter.
Add a reminder on your phone to change the filter out every three months.
If you have pets, however, you might want to change the filter out more often. Otherwise, fur and pet dander will clog up the filter sooner than the three-month mark.
Consider talking to a Magnolia, TX HVAC technician about different filters you can use, too. For example, you might want to use a pleated, high-efficiency filter. These filters are more effective at catching small particles and pollutants.
Minimizing air pollutants throughout your home can keep the air clean, minimizing allergies.
2. Dust the Furnace
As you prepare for cold weather, make sure to check your furnace.
Many homeowners forget to check their furnaces, especially when we roll into Texas’ warmer months. Over time, however, dust and debris can collect against the unit. You might notice a musty smell when you turn the furnace on as a result.
If you begin noticing a stranger odor, turn the furnace off and call for heating services in Magnolia, TX.
Otherwise, the risk of a fire could increase if there’s dust and debris on the furnace while it’s running. Keeping the furnace clean can ensure proper airflow. You can also prevent clogs and other issues.
Minimizing clogs can improve the unit’s energy efficiency as well.
Step outside and check on your HVAC unit. Clean away fallen leaves, dirt, grass, and debris. Then, grab a water hose.
You can wash off the exterior unit to keep pollen at bay. Otherwise, failing to keep the unit clean can impact its lifespan. It might work twice as hard to function properly.
If you’re not sure how to clean the furnace alone, call an HVAC company right away. They can help you prepare for winter in Texas. Professional heating services can ensure your unit is working at its best.
3. Look for Damage
Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system within your home. In fact, heating your home uses about 29% of your utility bill. You can save money and increase your comfort by maintaining your unit.
Proper maintenance could even save you 30% on your energy bill while minimizing environmental emissions.
Look for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage on your HVAC unit. If there are any damages, call a professional HVAC repair company right away.
Look for any signs of electrical damage as well. Don’t try to fix electrical issues on your own. Instead, hire a professional company to ensure your safety.
Ask your heating services company if they offer preventative maintenance services. They can review the state of your unit twice a year. They could spot potential problems before serious damages occur.
Preventative maintenance services will help extend the lifespan of your unit. You won’t have to worry about it breaking down right before cold weather rolls in.
4. Clean Up
It’s not enough to clean the furnace. To keep your unit running efficiently, you’ll also need to clean your air ducts. First, make sure to wipe away visual signs of debris and dust.
Clean the registers as well.
You can save valuable time and stress by calling a professional HVAC company in Magnolia. They’ll ensure your ducts are clean before winter rolls in.
5. Listen
As you prepare for winter in Texas, make sure to listen for any strange sounds. If you hear a clunking or hissing sound, call an HVAC repair company.
Strange sounds could indicate different problems with your unit.
For example, it’s possible there’s a bolt loose. Perhaps there’s debris blocking the vents.
If you can’t determine what’s causing the sound on your own, call a team to assess your HVAC system right away.
6. Turn the Humidifier Off
Once it starts to get cold, make sure to cut the furnace humidifier’s water supply off. The colder winter months can give the humidifier a break.
Talk to an HVAC company about replacing the water panel, too. Otherwise, set the humidity between 35 and 45%.
7. Call a Technician
Remember, you don’t have to prepare for cold weather on your own. Instead, call for heating services right away. Otherwise, the DIY approach could do more harm than good.
A professional HVAC technician can assess the current state of your heating unit. They can recommend any changes you need to make before winter in Texas. Consider calling in fall before the temperature reaches record lows.
Hiring an HVAC technician will give you peace of mind that your home and heating unit are ready for winter.
Stay Warm: 7 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter in Texas
Don’t shiver through winter in Texas! Instead, prepare for cold weather by following these seven tips. With these tips, you can ensure your family’s comfort during the colder months.
Completing this list will give you peace of mind.
Remember, you don’t have to work through these tips on your own. We’re here to help.
Contact our team in Magnolia, TX today to prepare your heating unit for the cold.
