Tune Up Your Heating System
An HVAC technician can be hired to come over to your home and inspect your heating systems. This is worth it to avoid unnecessary breakdowns on the coldest day of the year. Your HVAC system is an important part of keeping your home safe and comfortable year-round. Royal Heating & Air cares about you and your family, and we're here to give you 5 important steps every homeowner should take to keep their HVAC working properly and stay safe. Keep reading to learn them all!
Fun tip: Reverse your ceiling fans! Studies show that reversing your ceiling fans produces an "updraft" and pushed the hot air down, since hot air rises.
Covering Your AC Unit in the Winter
Having your air conditioner covered during the fall can prevent leaves, yard waste, sticks and other debris from getting stuck inside. During the winter, a cover can protect your unit from falling ice as well. Falling ice can cause a lot of damage to your AC unit that could require costly repairs. Additionally, they prevent water from resting directly on the AC unit's coils and freezing, which could damage them. Overall, a cover helps keep the coils cleaner so the unit runs more efficiently the next time your AC unit is turned on. One thing to keep in mind is that a cover could entice animals to make their shelter in your covered AC unit, away from the cold.Prevent
Ice Build-Up
Taking steps to prevent ice build-up that can leak into your home and cause potential damage is recommended. Call a weatherization contractor to come over to fix any air leaks and insulation in your home.
Check
Your Roof
Look at your roof up close and check
for any missing shingles or damaged areas. Better to find it now than during a
snowstorm! You can hire a roofing contractor to repair breaks.
Caulking
Gaps may form between the siding and the window or door
frames. This can be closed with silicone caulking, as it won't shrink and can
stand strong against the cold elements.
Cleaning
Your Gutters
Gutters can get clogged if not cleaned. Debris that gets caught in your gutters can lead to water back up that can damage your roof, siding, and trim...leading to the potential of water leaking into your home!
Turn
Off Exterior Faucets
Undrained water can freeze up, which
will make the pipes burst as the freezing ice expands. Disconnect your hoses,
and drain water.
Prepare
Your Mower
As your mower sits all winter, fuel that has been left
inside can decompose. This is harmful to your mower and will make it harder for
you to turn it on in the Spring.
Wait
To Prune Until Late-Winter
It is tempting to think about pruning your plants in your
landscaping when you see the leaves start turning. But, horticulturalists
suggest waiting to prune until late Winter for most plants, just before Spring
growth begins.
Call
a Chimney Sweep
make sure your fireplace and chimney are clean before using, this can prevent potential chimney fires.
Restock
Winter Essentials
Do not wait for the first Winter storm to realize you need
more ice melt! Also, ensure you have a durable snow shovel handy.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance Checks
Regular preventative maintenance can not only increase efficiency and lifespan, it also helps you discover and repair things before they lead to bigger problems, more expensive repairs, and potential outages. If you have not had your furnace serviced yet this year, we have HVAC technicians at the Lake of the Ozarks ready to help!
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