It’s no secret every heating and cooling system requires maintenance to keep it at its best. While most of us know to do things like changing the filter and vacuuming the vents, according to Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning, come winter there’s a bit more to do. For more than 25 years, this family-owned and -operated company has served Lakewood, CO, and the surrounding cities. If you want to shield your HVAC system from the biting cold and heavy snow, note the following.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Heating & Cooling System in Winter

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before the cold becomes unbearable, have professionals examine your system. This ensures any problems are fixed long before you start heavily relying on your heater; you don’t want it to malfunction when you need it the most.

2. Seal Up Any Cracks

Always make sure your home is properly insulated and that any cracks are completely sealed. Don’t forget to replace any old weatherproofing either. Otherwise, your heater may end up working much more than necessary.

3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

If you see fallen leaves, broken branches, or debris around the outdoor unit, clear it away. Thanks to the rain and snow, they usually end up attracting moisture, which makes it easy for mold to grow.

4. Cover the Outdoor Unit

Another way to further keep out debris is to use a waterproof cover. Many prefer a tarp, but you need to be careful; if it’s too big and bunching up at the base, it will actually trap moisture and serve as shelter for critters. Fold it so at least a foot of space remains at the bottom for airflow.

5. Insulate the Exposed Piping

In freezing temperatures, there's a chance the exposed cooling pipes of the outdoor unit can crack, or worse, burst. To prevent this from happening, wrap foam insulation sleeves around them.

For anyone in the Lakewood area who needs HVAC assistance, call Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning today at (303) 985-4884. Whether it’s basic preventative maintenance, complex repairs, or full installations, they can do it all. They offer free estimates, so there’s no reason to wait. To learn more about their heating and cooling services, visit their website.