It might not feel like winter in California just yet, but it really is right around the corner. After you’ve had your air conditioner on all summer and early fall, it’s time to get your HVAC system and your home ready for winter. Keep reading for some of our tips to winterize your home.
1. Prepare your outdoor HVAC unit for winter.
Even though your outdoor HVAC unit is built to survive outside, you’re preventing any extra damage by taking extra precautions to winterize your HVAC unit. First, make sure your HVAC unit is completely turned off. Then, you’ll want to remove any leaves, twigs, and grass clippings with gloved hands. Next, use your garden hose to rinse off bird droppings, dirt, and dust. Make sure you choose a sunny day because after you rinse off your HVAC unit, you’ll want to let it dry for 24 hours.
After it has dried, you can install tubular foam or rubber pipe insulation around all of the pipes to protect against freezing. Finally, you’re going to want to cover your HVAC unit. It’s a good idea to ask your manufacturer what they suggest because sometimes critters can see fabric covers as a place to find shelter for the winter.
Congratulate yourself on your hard work, and then make sure to check up on your HVAC unit periodically to make sure there isn’t too much snow building up on top of it.
2. Schedule a maintenance appointment.
By scheduling a maintenance appointment with Maki Air every fall, you can stay ahead of any future headaches. Before you turn on your heat for the winter, getting regular maintenance can help keep efficiency high and utility bills low. We’ll inspect indoor and outdoor units, check fluid levels, test motors, and look for leaks to be sure that your system is running as efficiently as possible.
3. Turn your furnace on a few times before winter arrives.
Every winter, we get calls from some less-than content customers who have just turned on their heat, and then, a few days later, it stops working. Many people wait until it gets really cold to turn on their heat to save energy and money. However, waiting until it gets too cold can put stress on your heating system.
By turning your furnace on a few times before winter arrives, you’ll know it’ll be prepared to do its job by the time winter is in full swing. It’s a lot more enjoyable to deal with no heat for a day or two in the fall than it is when temperatures drop below zero in the winter.
3. Consider installing new insulation.
Heating and cooling make up over half of all of household energy expenses, which is why it could be a good idea to install new insulation to save money. A well-insulated house keeps the heat in, which means your heating system won’t need to spend as much energy keeping your home warm. Attic insulation can help homeowners save 10-15% on their energy bills, which can end up saving you hundreds of dollars.
If you would like to learn more about winterizing your home in Auburn, California, you can learn more about Maki Air and our services here or by giving us a call at (530) 885-3449.
