How to Prepare Your HVAC System For A Texas Winter

Seasonal AC Tips

Fall came and brought the cooler days we were looking forward to. While the likeliness of Texas getting a harsh winter is never that high, the chances are never zero. This means you may be in need of HVAC maintenance to prepare for the winter.

At Service Wizard, we know how important it is to prepare your HVAC system for the winter. Here are some of the important maintenance you should do prior to the chilly season.

Have Your Filter Changed

It’s important to change your filter every 30 days. If you don’t, you’re risking your HVAC system to break down in the middle of the winter. If you haven’t changed it, it would be difficult for the air to flow effectively from the dust and dirt that was caught on the filter. 

Clean Your HVAC System

Before turning on the heater to see if it’s working, make sure the system is clean from the build-up of dust and dirt that can form from months of no usage. You may also need to check if the blower motor needs to be lubricated in order for it to work well during the winter- you may have to pull out the manual to see if it needs lubrication. 

If there are some areas you’re unable to reach, contact a professional.

Check for Ignitor Light

Many modern systems have electronic ignitors and older systems have old pilot lights. Before turning the furnace on, make sure the light is on. If it isn’t turning on after months of no usage, and if you have the modern system, you can reset it. 

Check on the circuit breaker and see if it needs to be flipped. If it’s not working, it may be wire issues or it has been using too much energy. At this point, you would need to contact a professional to check on it. 

Check the Thermostat Functionality 

Before the winter comes, check if the thermostat is responding to the heater. Turn on the heater and gradually turn up the temperature to 68 -70degrees Fahrenheit to see if the heater is kicking in and is heating up the area. 

If you aren’t sure if it’s working, you can take off the thermostat cover and see if the wires are connected firmly. If for some reason you can’t see anything wrong, you may need to contact a professional to figure out the problem. It may be the fan, blower or the heat pump that isn’t functioning well. 

Cover the Condenser

After you are sure you are done using the AC, cover up the condenser with a large board. Anything large that’s enough to cover to protect from branches, water, or any possible winter hail. Keep in mind to not cover the condenser with plastic tarp or bag because it traps moistures and can rust your condenser.

Contact The Professionals

Don’t freeze and wait until your heater breaks down in the middle of winter! Contact Service Wizard Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a winter tune-up or are in need of furnace maintenance. Our team of experienced technicians will be happy to help you stay warm this winter!