5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home This Season
Your home’s HVAC system works hard to maintain your home’s temperature year-round, but winter brings a unique set of challenges to its performance. Without proactive maintenance, your HVAC system can become inefficient and prone to breakdowns. That’s where winterizing your home comes in.
Winterization is the process of preparing your home for colder temperatures, and it’s an essential part of maintaining a comfortable living space. Before winter weather starts to set in, here are five tips to help you prepare your home for the season ahead.
1. Change the Filters
The filters of your HVAC system are designed to catch dust and debris in the air, preventing them from entering your home. Over time, these filters become clogged and can impede the flow of air through your home. The result? Your HVAC system has to work harder than usual in order to reach the desired temperature.
While regular filter replacements are key components of routine HVAC maintenance, it’s especially important to check and replace your filters before winter hits. Starting off the season with a fresh new filter will help ensure that your HVAC system is ready to run at peak efficiency.
2. Seal Leaks and Cracks
Temperature fluctuations can cause cracks and air leaks to form around windows, doors, and other areas of your home’s exterior. If left unchecked, these gaps can let cold air seep inside, causing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain the desired temperature.
To make sure your home’s interior stays cozy and warm, take some time to inspect your home for any air leaks that may need to be sealed off. Applying caulk around windowsills and door frames can help keep cold air outside where it belongs.
3. Inspect Your Insulation
Your home’s insulation plays an essential role in maintaining a comfortable climate. In winter, good insulation helps keep warm air inside, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home. If your insulation isn’t up to par or has been damaged over time, your HVAC system may have a harder time keeping you and your family warm during the colder months.
For best results, be sure to inspect your insulation before winter arrives. If you notice any gaps or deficiencies around your home, add more insulation where needed or consider replacing outdated materials with newer and more efficient options.
4. Clear the Outdoor Unit
During the warmer months, your outdoor HVAC unit can become clogged with leaves, twigs, debris, and other objects. Having to work around clogged vents or fan blades can put a major strain on your system as temperatures drop.
Before the cold weather strikes, take some time to check and clean off your outdoor unit. Make sure to clear any debris from the vents and fan blades while also trimming any overgrown plants or trees that may be blocking the area.
5. Get Your Furnace Ready
Your furnace is another vital component of your HVAC system that needs special attention before winter arrives. Start off the season by scheduling a professional tune-up for your furnace. During the tune-up, your technician will check and clean the burners while also inspecting the ducts and filters for any potential problems. If they notice any issues that could affect performance, such as loose connections or faulty wiring, they can repair them before they become serious.
In addition to having your furnace serviced, it’s wise to keep an eye on its age and condition. As a general rule of thumb, furnaces that are older than 15 years should be replaced to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. If your furnace is nearing this mark, it may be time to consider a new system for the upcoming winter.
With the right approach, winterizing your home can make a big difference in ensuring your HVAC system is ready to perform when temperatures start to drop. Start planning ahead and take advantage of these helpful tips for winterizing your home this season. And don’t forget to enlist the help of a professional HVAC technician at Total Home Solutions in Jordan, MN — an expert’s eye can be a valuable asset in getting your home ready for the cold months ahead.
