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How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Oct 26, 2021

Winter is quickly approaching, and before the cold weather sets in, it’s important to have an action plan to ensure your home’s heating system is ready. There are several steps you can take to make sure your home and family stay safe and comfortable all season long. Read on for a simple checklist to follow – then rest easy knowing your HVAC equipment will be able to rise to the chilly challenge ahead.


1. Replace Your Filters


Replacing a heating system’s filters is something most homeowners can handle without the help of an HVAC company – and it’s much more important than most people think. If your hot air can’t move freely due to dirty filters, you’re not doing your utility bills, air quality, or equipment any favors.


Filter replacement can typically be done in the span of a few minutes at a modest cost. If you’re not sure how to do it, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted HVAC technician. We recommend filter changes every 30 to 90 days.


2. Clean and Unblock Your Heating Vents


Brand-new air filters won’t make much difference if your vents are blocked by a pile of winter coats or heavy furniture. Air that can’t move freely not only affects your ability to heat your home efficiently but can also lead to dampness and even mold, putting you and your family at risk of respiratory issues. Ensure all of your vents are unobstructed to allow comfortable air to flow throughout your home.


3. Clean the Space Around Your Furnace


No matter your winter heating solution – from gas furnaces to wood stoves – it’s crucial to ensure your system has space to work efficiently. Overcrowding the area around your equipment isn’t just bad for efficiency; it can also result in a fire. Take a moment to clean and clear the space before turning on your unit for the winter.


4. Clean Your Ducts


Before freezing temperatures set in, it’s a good idea to have a professional HVAC company inspect and clean your ductwork. Ducts often run in a basement or crawlspace and can quickly fall victim to the “out of sight, out of mind” principle. However, if they are inundated with dust, mold, or pests, they can become a hidden threat to both your HVAC system and overall air quality.


5. Check Your Insulation


If your house doesn’t seem to be holding heat well, your heating system is likely working overtime. Unfortunately, if you’re overworking your furnace, you’re also wasting valuable energy and speeding towards heating system repairs. Be sure to inspect your home for drafts in the fall and add or replace insulation as needed.


6. Inspect Your Pilot Light


If you use a gas furnace with a pilot light, be sure to check it well before the coldest months arrive. Something as simple as a pilot light being extinguished over the summer can cause an issue if you happen to be out of the house when the first big freeze comes. Frigid air creeps in quickly, and if your furnace can’t generate heat, it will need to work longer and harder when you finally fix the issue.


7. Schedule HVAC Maintenance and Inspections


Whether you’re uncertain how to handle the above steps or run into a heating system issue beyond your expertise, reaching out to a qualified HVAC specialist is key. A trained technician will know exactly what to look for and how to solve any problems efficiently and effectively. If you require any heating system repairs, an HVAC company can recommend an action plan before the issue becomes more significant.


Smith & Company HVAC Is Here to Help You Prepare for Winter


Heating system repairs can be particularly difficult to manage on your own during the winter months, as easy access to equipment and ductwork may be limited due to snow and ice. If your HVAC system fails in the bitter cold, you may become desperate to hire anyone available right away – and in doing so, you could set yourself up to overpay for subpar work. Regular heating system maintenance from a trusted technician is the key to avoiding system breakdowns or an icy disaster.


Avoid damage to your home and costly emergency repairs with expert HVAC services. Contact Smith & Company HVAC to schedule routine maintenance and handle HVAC repairs before the coldest weather arrives!

10 Oct, 2023
Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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