3 Tips to Protect Your Heating and Air Conditioning System This Winter

HVAC Tips for Winter to Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Winter weather can be harmful to your home’s heating and air conditioning system. One of the most important HVAC tips for winter is to treat your system like you would your car in icy conditions, with extra care and attention. Just as you take safety precautions when driving on slick roads, you should also take steps to protect your HVAC system from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice buildup. Following these tips can help extend the life of your system and keep your home comfortable during the coldest months.

Clear Snow and Ice from Outside Pipes

While you’re out clearing snow off the driveway, make sure to check the furnace intake and exhaust pipes. These pipes are usually a foot or two above the ground, so if there’s more than a few inches of snow, it’s important to check them. Removing snow and ice will help prevent thawing and refreezing in the pipes, which can cause your furnace to quit working — one of the most common issues that winter HVAC tips aim to prevent.

If your furnace suddenly stops working during the colder months, it could be due to blocked intake and exhaust pipes. As part of your HVAC tips for winter checklist, try turning off the power to the furnace, clearing the pipes, and then turning the power back on. If there’s still an issue, a Bell Brothers service technician can come to your home to investigate and resolve the problem.

Remove Snow and Ice from the Gas Meter

It’s also important to keep the gas meter clear of snow and ice. It not only records how much gas is used, but it also regulates the pressure of the gas entering your home. If the vents on the meter become plugged by snow or ice, it can cause erratic pressure, which is why HVAC winter tips often stress this step. This can cause the furnace or water heater to not work properly.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the furnace or water heater pilot light won’t stay on, it could be a sign the gas pressure is not stable. Check the meter to ensure it isn’t covered with snow and ice. If it is, carefully clear it off. If the equipment is still not working properly, schedule a Bell Brothers service technician to take a look.

Don’t Cover Your Outdoor Air Conditioning Unit

You may have read or heard that homeowners should cover the outdoor air conditioning unit to protect it from snow. However, according to expert HVAC tips for winter, this is actually incorrect. Covering the unit can allow moisture to build up, causing damage to the unit. It also provides a nice warm place for mice or other rodents to build a nest and pass the time by chewing away at the wires in the air conditioner.

Instead, keep the area around the unit clear and let it breathe naturally through the winter months. This small step, along with other HVAC winter maintenance tips, can help you avoid costly repairs come springtime.

Learn more: Improve HVAC Energy Efficiency This Winter

Protect Your HVAC System All Season Long

Let Bell Brothers help you protect your HVAC system this winter. Whether it’s following HVAC tips for winter like clearing snow from vents or avoiding unnecessary covering of your AC unit, small actions can make a big difference in system efficiency and reliability. Give us a call or contact us online for professional guidance and service.