Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for AC Unit
AC units work harder during winter to keep the home warm and maintain the correct humidity levels. However, extended operational hours of the systems can lead to wear and tear of the parts. As such, HVAC units need regular maintenance during winter to keep them in good shape.
When HVAC experts perform maintenance, they check air filters for clogged dirt. Then, they’ll clean the filters and remove debris in the vents to improve air quality. They’ll also cover the machine to prevent snow buildup on the outdoor unit.
Scheduling an HVAC maintenance before winter keeps your machine working perfectly. It also increases the system’s lifespan because dirty filters and vents can strain its mechanical parts.
You can enlist AC maintenance services to enjoy air conditioning in Fort Mohave, AZ. Besides, your system will get routine servicing to protect it. As a result, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort.
Winter AC Maintenance Checklist
Once you get the right company to do your HVAC maintenance, knowing what to expect is vital.
An AC maintenance checklist ensures the technicians check all the vital components to ensure no breakdowns during winter.
AC maintenance will include cleaning the air filters, checking the vents, and cleaning the unit.
1. Check and clean air filters
Air filters trap dirt, debris, and dust before returning to the living space. Uncleaned filters have accumulated dirt, which blocks the passage of air.
Blocked filters force the air to flow back to the machine, disrupting its functioning. In addition, the system will strain to push the air out, leading to some parts’ wear and tear.
Besides, dirty air filters promote respiratory problems because dust and pollen mix with the air and blow back into the rooms. Inhaling this air causes allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
HVAC technicians check the condition of your air filters. They can wash the filters if they are reusable or replace them. New and clean filters ensure good airflow, hence the machine’s proper functioning. They also reduce allergic reactions.
2. Clean the vents
Besides checking the air filters, technicians prepare the HVAC for winter by cleaning the vents. Unfortunately, these also clog from the accumulation of dirt and debris collected in the house, disrupting airflow into the home.
The dirt in the air vents sometimes gets back into the rooms, causing a dust smell and leading to respiratory problems. Technicians advise homeowners to clean ducts weekly to ensure the machine’s proper functioning.
You can also DIY vent cleaning using a wet cloth and clean water. Wipe the dust and dirt to prevent them from accumulating. When the registers blow air into the house without distractions, they promote the machine’s proper functioning.
3. Clean the entire unit
The HVAC unit will run for longer hours during winter, and you must prepare it to function correctly. You can increase efficiency by cleaning all the parts. However, the parts are delicate to open and clean, so you need a professional.
Cleaning the AC removes debris, leaves, and dust from the outdoor and indoor units. Next, the experts will open the system to check for mold growth and animal droppings. These can contaminate the air with bad smells and cause discomfort.
A clean system ensures no strain on any part, which helps it to function correctly. You can also wipe the outdoor unit with a damp cloth to remove the dust buildup. While the dirt looks harmless, it sometimes enters the unit and disrupts its functioning.
Be careful when using a hose pipe and brushes to clean your unit. Scrubbing some parts can cause tears, resulting in expensive repairs. Also, research well the detergents the experts use. Some have pungent smells and cause respiratory reactions.
4. Do a sound check
Sometimes it is easier to know if your AC has a problem from the sound it produces. For example, when doing winter AC maintenance, the technicians will listen if there are weird sounds from the machine.
You should also inspect your system to hear rattling, clanking, or banging sounds. These signify loose or broken parts which require repairs. Continuing to run your HVAC with broken parts can cause a complete breakdown and other expenses to repair damages.
5. Cover the machine
Once your machine is nice and clean, the AC experts will cover it in preparation for the winter. Covering the system protects it from the buildup of snow and other winter debris falling on it.
Snow and ice melt in the system and flow into some mechanical parts, causing damage. The moisture also causes corrosion and rusting, speeding up your unit’s wear and tear. Covering prevents the buildup of snow, hence no rusting.
6. Check the thermostat
The thermostat commands the AC to turn on and off, depending on the temperatures you set. It is essential in winter because the AC should stay on to warm your rooms.
If the thermostat does not function properly, the AC won’t turn on when the temperatures drop beyond your desired level. The AC expert will also place your thermostat strategically and far from the furnace for the correct temperature reading.
Benefits of maintaining ACs before winter
While AC maintenance seems expensive, it is worth every coin because of the benefits you get. The maintenance prevents your machine from suffering winter-related damages like corrosion due to ice and snow buildup.
When the expert inspects your machine, they protect it from unforeseen breakdowns. The professional will listen to your unit to note weird sounds and check other critical mechanical parts. You need the HVAC more during winter, and its breakdown can cause inconveniences.
A properly working HVAC will also lower your utility bills. In addition, cleaning the vents and filters ensures no strain on the machine’s parts. So, you’ll incur zero repair costs and lower energy bills.
Endnote
HVAC works harder during winter to keep the rooms warmer. So, consider preparing your HVAC system for winter to ensure they properly function and prevent breakdowns.
Some things technicians will do on your device are checking and cleaning the air filters and vents, cleaning the AC, and checking for weird sounds. Ensure you hire a professional HVAC technician for your system maintenance.
