It’s almost time to turn off the air conditioning and throw the windows open—fall is nearly here. Before you know it, the seasons will change once again, plunging us deep into a cold, frost-bitten winter. Read on to learn more about how to make your building a warm winter refuge with HVAC winter maintenance.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance Before Winter
Every HVAC unit needs regular maintenance. Usually, maintenance is recommended once every three months, but during periods of extreme heat or cold, it’s especially important to make sure your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. Effective HVAC winter maintenance keeps your building warm and safe as the frigid wind howls outside.
Here are a few HVAC preventative maintenance tips that will make sure your unit runs through the entirety of this upcoming winter.
Clean and Replace Air Filters
One of the best forms of HVAC winter maintenance is cleaning and replacing your air filters. This is a simple process that should be done quarterly. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and prevent your heating and cooling system from operating at maximum efficiency. In the winter months, cleaning your filters keeps your building warm and reduces your overall heating costs. In addition, a fresh air filter can improve your indoor air quality by removing airborne debris.
Clean and Clear Air Vents
Although cleaning and replacing your air filters is a great form of HVAC winter maintenance, you should also attend to your air vents. If you notice dust collecting on the grills, vacuum it off with a brush attachment. Also, keep at least 80% of your vents open and move any furniture that blocks them. This promotes air flow and will further improve your HVAC unit’s ability to warm your building.
Set Your Thermostat Properly
HVAC winter maintenance can be as simple as setting your thermostat to the proper temperature. Here are a few tips for your wintertime thermostat settings:
- Keep your temperature at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you warm without forcing your heating unit to work overtime. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing depending on how hot or cold you are.
- Set your temperature between 60 and 62 degrees while you’re away during the day or sleeping at night. This way, you’re not heating an empty building, and you won’t be asking too much of your heating unit when you turn the temperature back up.
- Only adjust your thermostat by a degree or two at a time. This is the most energy-efficient way to adjust the temperature in your building. Plus, your body will be able to adjust gradually with the changing temperature.
Get Your HVAC Unit Inspected
Although there are a number of ways to prepare your HVAC unit for winter, calling a professional to inspect your unit will guarantee that every detail and potential problem is addressed. High quality HVAC maintenance services are prepared to winterize your unit to make sure it survives the season.
Reducing the Impacts of Winter Weather
When winter inevitably strikes, it will come with freezing temperatures and plenty of snow and ice. During these cold months, your HVAC unit needs to be running in tip-top shape in order to keep your building safe from the elements. Keep reading to learn how to perform some basic HVAC winter maintenance once snow and ice hit New York City.
Prevent Snow and Ice Buildup
When you have snow or ice on your HVAC unit, it can freeze the unit and even trigger an emergency shutdown. This keeps your building from heating up, and can make your pipes freeze. Combat this by removing ice from any sections of your HVAC unit. If you receive snow, clear a few feet around the exterior of the unit. This will prevent the internal mechanisms from freezing and shutting down.
Keep the Exhaust Clear
Similarly, snow and ice can block the exhaust of your HVAC system, which can cause it to stop working. A blocked exhaust pipe can pump carbon monoxide back into your building, putting everyone inside at risk. Luckily, most units have emergency shut-off systems, but it’s better to be safe, just in case. Remove snow and ice from around the exhaust to prevent this from happening.
Keep Air Intake Clear
Much like the exhaust pipe, your HVAC’s air vent should be clear of snow and ice. If it gets covered or clogged, your system might not work correctly, or it could cause the pipes to leak.
Contact a Professional HVAC Company
Contracting a professional HVAC company is one of the best steps you can take to keep your HVAC unit running smoothly throughout the year. For HVAC winter maintenance and emergencies, React Industries has you covered. With over 30 years of providing commercial HVAC repair services and maintenance, we’ll be able to tackle any issue you come up against this winter.