Winter can be challenging, especially if you live in a particularly cold area. During the cold winter months, you need an efficient HVAC system to heat your home. It’s a good idea to have your HVAC unit ready in advance for inclement weather conditions. If your HVAC stops operating effectively during a snowstorm, it can be very difficult to fix during that time.
Here are some tips to get your HVAC installation ready for a snowstorm.
Check your HVAC system
Checking your HVAC system is a vital first step. There may be an internal wiring problem that is not visible from the outside. An inspection professional will also check components of the HVAC, such as outlets or inductions. So, as winter approaches, be sure to call an HVAC expert and have your HVAC system checked.
Check system insulation
Your home’s insulation should be sufficient. This means that the HVAC should consume a moderate amount of energy to heat the house. If your home is not well insulated, it will be poorly heated during the snowy months. Your windows and doors must be sealed so that the wind cannot enter the house. As winter approaches, be sure to check that your home is properly insulated. This is very important if there are warnings of an impending snowstorm. Also, make sure that all plumbing in your home is properly insulated. If the pipes freeze, they can burst. If the pipes freeze, turn off the main water supply and turn on the faucet to empty the contents of the pipes.
Make sure ventilation spaces are cleared
Hot air enters your home through these vents. Many people neglect to check the vents when thinking about HVAC maintenance. Blocked vents can also cause your HVAC to malfunction. Make sure no clothing or furniture is placed in front of the vents to allow air to circulate. This is especially important before a snow storm hits, as your home needs to be adequately heated.
clear all heat pumps
A heat pump is responsible for transferring heat to the house. When these pumps are working properly, heat is easily blown through the furnace into your home. Heat pumps sometimes clog during heavy snowfall. This will result in poor heating. Make sure to remove debris and snow near the heat pump for maximum heating.
keep a backup generator
In the case of a snowstorm, the possibility of a power failure is very high. If this happens, your HVAC system could stop functioning completely. To avoid the inconvenience of this happening, keep a backup power source, such as a generator. A generator can provide energy until main power is restored.
