As winter approaches, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the frigid months ahead. Inadequate preparation can leave you and your family without heat if your system breaks down. Follow these tips for prepping the system and hiring an HVAC service.

How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter

1. Visual Inspection

Before kicking the system into full gear, examine each component. Check for loose or chewed wires, broken parts, and make sure the drip pan and evaporator drain is intact and clear. Test the thermostat and adjust presets if necessary. Inspect the exterior condenser to see if it’s level.

2. Clean the Exterior Condenser

There are a few components of the system that you can clean yourself. If you’re not comfortable with that, schedule a winterizing visit from an HVAC service company. First, shut off the fuse and the unit itself. Start with the outdoor condenser. Clear away plant debris and dirt, and make sure there’s a clear area around the unit. Detach the fan cage from the unit and clean out any leaves and twigs inside. Spray the interior fins with a garden hose. If they’re dirty enough, you can pick up a specialized fin cleaner from the store. Straighten the fins carefully if they’re bent, then replace the cage.

3. Inside Maintenance

Next, clean the interior HVAC components. On the internal unit, access the evaporator coil and clean it well. Clean the drain pan and drain. Change the filter if it has been longer than 60 days since the last replacement. Inspect the visible ductwork for breaks, cracks, or signs of damage. You may want to have an HVAC service provider do a thorough inspection and cleaning if it has been more than three years since the last duct service. Look at the vent covers in each room. Remove and clean the covers and clean mold, rodent feces, and dust out of the vents. Replace the covers.

4. Trial Run

After you’ve run through this list, turn on the system for a trial run. Check that all the vents are emitting warm air. Listen for unusual sounds and take note of strange smells that linger for more than a few minutes. A furnace that hasn’t been used recently may smell a bit dusty at first, but any odors of burning wires or mold may require professional servicing. 

If you need HVAC services for the upcoming winter, contact Reinke's Heating Air Conditioning & Electrical in Kearney, NE. Their company has been providing quality HVAC system installation, repair, and maintenance since 1970. They sell and service most major brands and are committed to excellent customer service. Visit the website to learn more or call (308) 234-3003 for a quote.