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These next few days are going to remind us that winter is rearing its ugly head again. Preparation should dominate your thoughts, especially after the tragic freeze from 2021. Here are a few safety tips to help you prepare your HVAC to brace you through the toughest part of the winter.

Get your HVAC System Inspected

If you haven’t had your heater inspected yet (you should normally do this in the fall), it’s not too late to do so. Contact Ideal Partners today before you get stuck in a snowstorm or must endure a long, cold freezing stretch like we did last February. Let’s make sure your HVAC system is ready for your hibernation this winter and you’re settled into the toasty warmth of your home. Our planned maintenance program includes semi-annual inspection/cleaning of your unit. Call us for more details.

Only Run your Heater When Needed

Running your heater all day can cause the system to wear down quicker. Give it a break by turning it off or switching it to AC when no one is home.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

You can set different temperatures to come on at certain times of the day. This way it will shut off or turn the AC on when everyone leaves and turn the heat back on when the family is back home and ready to thaw out.

Be Sure to Clean your Vents and Change your Air Filter

Keeping your HVAC system clean is an important task. Houses are full of dust, dirt, and dander that get picked up by your HVAC system and it needs a place to go.

• Be sure to continue to change your air filters every month. They pick up any dirt and debris that gets sucked into the system
• Clean the external part of the unit to prevent any dust or dirt from getting in that way. 

This will ensure you and your family are breathing clean air and prevent any damages from happening

Protect your Outside Unit from the Snow and Ice

There are many options you can take to protect your outside unit if there is another hard freeze like last year:

• Be sure to clean the grooves and the vents on and around your unit. Things such as ice, leaves, rocks, etc. can find their way in and cause damage to the unit. The last thing you want in the middle of a hard freeze, or a snow day is for your HVAC system to go out.
• Many companies make weather guards or blankets that provide a physical barrier between your system and whatever curve ball mother nature decides to throw your way.

In case of an Outage, Be Sure your Generator Can Support your System

No one wants to be stuck without lights, entertainment, or heat, especially during a winter storm. Generators are a great investment for emergencies in case of a power outage. Living without heat during a hard freeze can be not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous for some. Be sure your generator is up to the task of powering your home HVAC system during winter storms.

Test your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

As mentioned above, external power sources like generators are particularly useful during a rough winter storm. But please be aware of Carbon Monoxide and other harmful chemicals that can be produced from machines such as these. Make sure to test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to alert you and your family of any fumes that can be harmful to you. It is as simple as pushing a button. This is one small step to make sure your family is safe from harmful chemicals.

Don’t wait until it is too late. We can help[ you with any of the services or answer any of your questions. Call us today to help get your home and HVAC unit prepared for hibernation.