Winter weather is approaching, and in the Midwest, we’re used to extreme conditions. When you hear a snowstorm is expected, you need to prepare your home to ride it out and ensure you and your family remain warm and safe. At Morrison Plumbing, we can help you make sure your furnace is in quality shape to continue functioning properly and supplying your household with the heat you need. We also have some helpful tips to share that you can do to help your unit.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you decide your unit is strong enough to last the winter, the next step is to schedule an HVAC maintenance inspection before the expected snowfall. There’s no need to repeat this step if you did it before winter. If, on the other hand, you never scheduled a visit from a trained repair person, doing so now could mean the difference between a trouble-free season and a heartbreaking winter. Now is the time to prepare and prevent potentially dangerous situations. Schedule an appointment for an inspection with our professionals and we’ll determine if your unit requires any repairs or maintenance services.
Clean Around Your Unit
If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, keep the perimeter of your HVAC system clear of any obstructions. Nothing should be blocking the airflow of your unit. The unit would struggle to operate efficiently, which could result in the unit shutting down. When a snowstorm hits, several inches of snow may accumulate on top of and against your outdoor HVAC unit. If there are objects such as backyard furniture propped against the heating unit, the snow will have an even easier time rising to the height required to cause trouble. As a result, it’s critical to keep the area clear of clutter. When the snow starts falling, it’s time to break out the snow shovel.
Eliminate Any Drafts
There are a few simple things you can do to help you and your heating unit survive the winter. The steps do not need any advanced knowledge to complete. You shouldn’t make your HVAC unit work harder than it needs to. If you have an indoor furnace, which is most likely on the main level or in the basement, make sure to seal any cracks or gaps around doors and windows. If cold air enters your home, your furnace will have to work harder to heat the household, which could lead to it overheating and shutting down. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your attic has the recommended amount of insulation, as it could get very drafty.
Change the Filter
Changing the air filter is a simple maintenance task that takes only a few minutes to complete, but will result in significant advantages. A heating unit that can freely breathe lasts longer. Never leave an old filter in place for more than three months. Check the filter manufacturer’s documentation to find out how long the filter is expected to last. Some filters are only good for a month. If you want us to recommend and install quality filters for your furnace, just contact our team with your request.
Consider Investing in a New HVAC Unit
Nobody wants to have to buy a new unit, given how expensive they are. However, they are also incredibly necessary to have a functioning HVAC unit to keep your home not only comfortable, but safe. In the Midwest, we get intensely hot summers and very harsh winters. You need to keep yourself and your family protected. It is far preferable to replace your unit voluntarily before a snowstorm than to have it fail on one of the coldest days of the year. Then you’ll have no choice but to replace it, but you’ll have to wait until the technicians can safely get to you. Don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation like that. When a unit reaches double digits in age, it should be closely monitored. If your unit is more than 15 years old, it is on borrowed time. You should also keep in mind that the harder the unit is forced to work, the shorter its lifespan will be. If the time is right for you to invest in a new HVAC unit, please call our team of experts at (618) 408-1624. Morrison Plumbing is always available to help you.
