Winter snowstorms can be extremely unpredictable. Some areas may get a few inches while others get a few feet. It’s essential to keep your HVAC system running so you and your family can stay warm and stress-free in your home. We always recommend getting your system maintenance done a few times a year, but if you haven’t got around to it, here are 10 things you can do to prepare before a winter storm.
Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
A clean air filter will help with airflow and keep your system running smoothly during heavy use. Any disposable filters should be replaced if you can do so safely. If you have reusable filters, you can wash and fully dry them to reuse them safely. When you are looking to buy new filters, we recommend aiming for a MERV 8-11 for the best winter performance.
Clear Snow & Debris From Outdoor Units
Cleaning around outdoor air units applies to heat pumps and high-efficiency systems. You will want to remove leaves, ice, and snow from around the system. The recommended clearance is 18-24 inches on each side of the unit. When you’re shoveling snow, avoid piling it up near the unit. NEVER chip ice off the system with sharp tools. Use warm (not hot) water if needed to prevent any damage to the system.
Check Thermostat Settings
Leave your thermostat at a consistent temperature and don’t frequently change it. Your system will work twice as hard if you keep increasing the temperature. Then, enable hold mode if you will be home during the winter storm. An extra step to ensure an accurate temperature reading would be to replace the thermostat batteries.
Inspect Vents and Registers
Make sure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed. You will want to move any rugs, furniture, or curtains that are currently blocking airflow from any vents. It is also valuable to check your basement or crawl space vents for any drafts.
Test Your Heating System Before the Storm
It is always a good safety measure to test your heating system before any winter storm arrives. Run your system for 15-20 minutes. This will confirm whether warm air is blowing steadily, whether there are any unusual noises or smells, and whether the system cycles normally. If something seems off, schedule a service before the winter storm arrives. Waiting could put you without heat for a few days.
Protect Outdoor HVAC Components
Protecting outdoor components may not apply to everyone. If the area where your HVAC components sit floods, then turn off the power before any heavy snowfall. Avoid using HVAC covers unless they are specifically designed for winter use. Then, for heat pumps, only cover the top, not the sides.
Prepare for Power Outages
If you have a generator, confirm compatibility with your HVAC system. You are likely going to run your heating system a lot during the storm, so your generator should be able to keep it running efficiently. Never run furnaces or space heaters without proper ventilation, and always keep carbon monoxide detectors tested and working.
Seal Drafts Around Your Home
Reducing heat loss will help your system work less hard than it needs to. Seal any doors and windows with weatherstripping to keep cold air out, and close fireplace dampers when they are not in use. Then take an extra step to insulate exposed pipes and ductwork to avoid plumbing issues along the way.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance ASAP
Annual winter HVAC maintenance checks help catch issues before they become bigger problems during storms. Issues such as failing igniters, dirty burners, cracked heat exchangers, and low refrigerant in heat pumps can be costly to fix down the line. They will also leave you without enough heat when you need it most.
Know When to Call a Professional
Call an HVAC technician if you notice:
- Cold air blowing from vents
- The system is short-circuiting
- Burning or electrical smells
- Ice buildup on outdoor units that won’t melt
Griffith Plumbing Services is here to help homeowners all winter long. If you notice any major warning signs that your HVAC system is not working properly, give us a call right away. Our technicians will work effectively with you to get your system back up and running before a major snowstorm.