How An AC Repair Company Can Prepare Your HVAC System For Winter | Fort Worth, TX
Having an air conditioning system that functions well is simply part of everyday life for the average homeowner. You’ll typically use your HVAC in the summer when it’s hot outside, and you may even need to use it during the cold winter months as well. But there are some things you can do to prepare your system to prevent damage throughout the winter season, such as having a reliable AC repair company.
Addressing Your Outdoor Unit’s Covering
If you have a central air conditioning system, it will be located somewhere in your yard or on your roof. It’s essential to know how to winterize your HVAC system because the cold season can often cause damage to heat pumps.
The best way to protect your HVAC system from the elements is to have an air conditioning repair company install a cover. A typical heat pump has an outdoor unit that contains a condenser coil, compressor, fan, and electrical connection box. This unit is susceptible to both moisture and cold weather during the winter months.
Assisting Your Compressor Drain Lines
The compressor drain line removes water that condenses on the outside of the coil while the compressor is running. This water can also be directed into a pan and through a hose or pipe. During cold weather, though, if the compressor isn’t running very often, this water sits in the line and can freeze up when it gets cold enough.
If the drain line freezes, it can cause the pan to overflow with water, possibly causing damage to walls and ceilings if left unchecked. Even if an overflow doesn’t occur, clogging the line can keep your evaporator coil from draining properly, which can lead to other problems with your HVAC system over time if not inspected by an AC repair company.
Clearing Out Your Condensate Lines
One of the most common complications AC repair company technicians run into during the winter is a clogged condensate line. This can make your system shut down and leak water inside your home.
The condensate lines remove the moisture from inside your home to the outside of your house. If this line becomes clogged, it could cause water damage in your home.
The best way to stop this is to install a condensate pump, automatically draining the condensate from the line. If you don’t have a condensate pump, you’ll need to call an air conditioning repair company to clean the line manually.
Test Your AC system
As cold weather approaches, ensuring your AC system is in good working order is essential. This can be as simple as a visual inspection of your outdoor unit or digging into more complicated tasks like checking your condensate line.
If you reside in a dry environment, you might want to add a little water to your drain pan to prevent it from freezing. Whatever maintenance needs doing, take care of it early and avoid later breakdowns. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of work you need to do, we recommend calling an AC repair company for help. They can assess your system and give you tips for keeping it up during winter.
Schedule a Checkup with Professionals
If you want to prepare your HVAC system for winter, you must get a routine inspection from an AC repair company expert. During an AC checkup, they can make sure your system is working efficiently and that there are no leaks or defects in any of your system’s components.
Their team will work with you to identify problems and recommend what repairs need to be made before winter arrives. They understand that most people don’t know much about their HVAC systems and also see that it takes time to learn everything there is to know about these complex machines.
Inspect and Replace Your Air Filters in Your Furnace
If you have a central air conditioning system, be sure to clean or replace air filters regularly throughout summer. Dirty filters block cooling airflow and may even force your system to work harder than it needs to, causing it to overheat.
The EPA recommends checking filters once a month during hot weather, especially if you live in areas where lots of dust is generated by wind storms or construction work. Schedule routine checkups with your air conditioning repair company every few months if that isn’t feasible.
If you use portable air conditioners or window units, check their filters as well. Just pop them out and check for damage. Have an AC repair company replace them if you find holes or tears.
Suppose your filter is completely clogged with dust. In that case, it could be time to get a new one altogether or schedule an inspection with an AC repair company to make sure everything else in your system is running smoothly. While you’re in there looking around, have a pro look over other components of your HVAC system as well.
Clear the Furnace Area
The air filter, furnace blower, and furnace motor should be regularly maintained and kept clean. Investing in a new filter can help to protect your equipment and prevent allergies.
Make sure nothing is blocking any vents or registers that could be responsible for preventing heat from circulating throughout your home. If necessary, hire a professional AC repair company for AC repair in Fort Worth. TX. If you’re unsure what needs to be done to winterize your AC system.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Area Clear and Clean
Leaves and other debris can block or clog your outdoor unit’s air intakes, which can cause it to work harder than necessary. This will make your energy bills increase, not just in summer when you are using your AC but also in winter when you’re using your furnace.
Ensure that nothing is blocking or restricting airflow around your outdoor unit at all times. An AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX can ensure that your outdoor unit stays clear of leaves and other debris through regular maintenance visits. These maintenance visits will also keep everything in good working order; they might even alert you to signs of impending failure before anything significant happens.
Install or Repair Weather Stripping Around Doors
Any gaps around doors are a conduit for warm air to escape your home. Ensure that the air conditioning repair company has installed weather stripping around your door to prevent cold air from slipping in through any possible openings.
If you notice that your system is leaking or drafty on inspection, it may be time to repair or replace it entirely. You may consider calling an AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, and scheduling a consultation before making these significant investments. That way, you can get impartial advice on what needs to be done and how much it’ll cost.
Seal Off Vents
If you reside in an older home, you probably have quite a few large ducts and vents exposed to outside elements and interior heat. Covering these vents can help prevent snow, water, and other debris from clogging up your system and eventually causing expensive repairs. The easiest way is to have an AC repair company cover them for you during service visits.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
In Fort Worth, TX, having a properly running heating and cooling system is essential to a comfortable winter season. Most homeowners have come to rely on Action Air Conditioning & Heating for all their AC and heating system needs.
If you want to get out of air conditioning repair for good, there are several things you can do that will help your air conditioning unit last for years to come. A regular maintenance plan by an AC repair company is highly recommended, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Protecting pipes from freezing in Fort Worth, TX, and other areas known for harsh winters is an essential task. The temperatures can drop relatively low, which is why it’s vital to take some precautions when it comes to keeping your indoor environment at a comfortable temperature.
Proper air conditioning maintenance and outdoor unit inspection will help ensure that your heating and cooling system doesn’t get damaged during extreme weather conditions. When you hire an AC repair company, they should complete all necessary preparations on your behalf.
Lubricate Moving Parts
During winter, your heating and cooling system works harder than ever to keep you comfortable. It’s working so hard that a little winterizing can do wonders for its lifespan in many cases. These tasks might be best left to an expert AC repair company.
No matter what you choose, it’s worth making sure your AC unit is ready for all that winter has to offer. Lubricating moving parts once or twice each year will ensure smooth operation during those days when you want to turn up your thermostat and hibernate indoors.
Check That the Condensate Drain Is Clear
To ensure your HVAC system stays in good working order over a cold winter, you need to ensure that condensate water can drain. In particular, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX, and check that your condensate drain is clear before things get too chilly.
That way, you won’t have any problems draining out excess water or causing any damage when you turn on your heating systems at home. You can keep your AC running smoothly through winter weather with regular maintenance.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an excellent investment if you want to ensure your AC and heating systems are running at peak performance. Most units allow you to set a schedule so that your air conditioner or furnace can automatically turn on and off at certain times.
Doing so can save up to 15% annually on your energy bills and ensure that your AC system is working its hardest during its busiest hours to save as much energy as possible. Ensure that you call out an AC repair company technician to install a thermostat. They’ll be able to do it quickly and correctly. Whether you have an issue with your heating system, cooling system, or water heater, they’ll be able to help.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks
One of the easiest ways to make sure your home stays comfortable all winter long is testing for refrigerant leaks. If you have an AC system, a small system leak can add up to hundreds of dollars in wasted energy costs, not to mention put more strain on your central air unit.
Not only that, but even a tiny pinhole leak can allow moisture into your ductwork and cause bacteria and mold growth to grow inside your heating and cooling systems. It’s wise to have an AC repair company in Fort Worth, TX test for leaks now before things start heating come fall.
Get a Tune-Up for Your System
Before you close up your home for winter, get a tune-up for your heating and cooling system. If you don’t, you could be paying big bucks to keep it running smoothly through frigid temperatures. Some systems need more regular maintenance than others, your local AC repair company.
They can assess your needs and suggest options that will help keep your monthly energy costs down all winter long. A well-tuned system doesn’t just save you money, though; it also saves you from higher future maintenance bills as its components age. So, schedule a tune-up with your AC repair company.
Don’t Let Winter Problems Surprise You
Every winter, the heating, and cooling system in Fort Worth, TX is tested. If you are getting ready for a cold season, it’s essential to ensure your AC is working correctly. Preparation isn’t complicated, but it can save you lots of time and money.
We will keep your homes cool and warm for years with our trusted services at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. Call us to learn further about how to help ensure that your HVAC system stays in top shape.