Tips On How To Winterize Your Residential HVAC Unit

It is crucial that you prepare your residential HVAC unit for the harsh winter months, just like you do your auto air conditioner. There is a technique that must be followed, in order to insure your safety and to fully protect your air conditioner from the elements. Below you will discover a list of tips that will help you winterize your residential HVAC unit.

Spraying Down the Unit

Before you get started, it is vital that you flip off the circuit breaker that leads to the unit. Once you have completed this step, you will be ready to get to work. You will need a socket wrench or an electric drill to remove the top lid that is located on the unit. This most often requires a ¼” socket, but you may need an entire set to get the one that fits precisely, because you do not want to strip the screw.

Once you have removed all of the screws, you will hook up your water hose and begin the spray the inside of the unit out. Be sure to remove any debris, twigs, and leaves that have made their way inside of the unit. Replace the lid, after you have sprayed the entire HVAC out, but give it time to dry, before placing a tarp or air AC cover over it.

Change out the Air Filter

If you have a disposable HVAC filter, you should go ahead and replace it with a new one. If you have a permanent filter, you will need to remove it from the unit and take it outside to thoroughly clean it. You will need a water hose that has a significant amount of pressure to wash out all of the debris and dust from the filter. After it dries you can place it back into the unit.

It is crucial to note that a dirty filter can decrease the unit’s performance, which will cause the air conditioner to work harder and waste more energy.

HVAC Technicians

If you are not mechanically inclined, you should consider searching for a commercial HVAC Long Island technician. This professional is certified to repair and maintenance all heating and air conditioning units. It is always a good idea to have a full inspection, before you actually store the unit away for the winter months. They will check for leaks and repair them, before they turn into a much bigger problem later on down the road. Most HVAC companies are more than willing to inspect your unit for a very reasonable fee, so do not fret about expensive costs.

Cleaning Ducts

Another thing to consider, when you are winterizing your unit is duct cleaning. This can be a tedious job, but not if you hire a duct cleaning crew. Most HVAC companies offer AC duct cleaning services for a very affordable fee. The cleaning crew will arrive at your home with their duct cleaning equipment and complete the job, within a matter of hours. This is the only way to thoroughly clean your air conditioner and prepare it for the harsh winter months.