Your heating system has to work harder than usual throughout the winter in Pennsylvania due to the cold weather, snow and ice. With the right care and attention, your heating system can keep your house comfortable throughout the entire winter. To help you have a pleasant and energy-efficient winter in Pennsylvania, this guide explains how cold weather, snow and ice affect your heating system. It also provides practical recommendations on how to winterize your HVAC system.
How Do Cold Temperatures Affect Your Heating System?
Extremely low temperatures hinder the efficiency of any heating system, making it use extra energy to keep the home at your desired temperature. This not only skyrockets your heating bills but also puts a lot of wear and tear on the heater. Cold weather can also cause certain parts of the system to freeze. Some of the most common parts that tend to freeze are the pipes, coils and condensate lines. All of them impact the normal operation of the heater.
How Does Snow and Ice Affect Your Heating System?
Cold temperatures aren’t the only thing you have to worry about during the winter in Pennsylvania. Ice and snow accumulation on or around outdoor units can impede the system’s ventilation. This reduces the system’s efficiency and makes it more likely for parts to malfunction. It’s also possible for drifting snow to block air intake and exhaust vents. Consequently, this limits airflow and can easily cause the system to overheat or shut down. Furthermore, ice and snow accumulation on the roof can fall onto the outdoor unit, causing extensive damage and necessitating expensive repairs.
Ways to Winterize Your Home’s Heating System
Fortunately, there are several ways to winterize your home’s heating system. In addition to the following tips, it’s also recommended to schedule annual heater maintenance. Regular maintenance not only improves heater winterization but also allows you to address little problems before they cause system failure.
Replace Air Filters
An important part of getting a house ready for winter is changing the air filter on the heating system. Dirt, dust and pet dander can all block the air filter, putting more strain on the heating system. Replacing filters improves heating efficiency, which reduces energy expenses and helps make your house more pleasant and healthier throughout the winter.
Seal Air Leaks
Installing weatherstripping or caulking around doors and windows is a simple way for homeowners to seal air leaks. This helps keep warm air in and cold air out. If you want to stay warm in Pennsylvania during the winter, you should consider sealing any air leaks. It will make your house more energy efficient, lower your heating bills and keep you more comfortable.
Ductwork Cleaning
Duct cleaning experts can remove years’ worth of dirt, dust and other impurities from the ducts that provide air to the home from the heating system. This important winterizing procedure improves the air inside your home, makes the heating system more effective and lessens the likelihood of respiratory problems. The efficiency of heating systems, the reduction of energy consumption and the maximization of winter warmth are all directly correlated to the cleanliness of the ducts.
Clean and Unblock Vents
Take off the vent covers and dust the inside with a brush or vacuum. Then, wash down the surfaces with a moist cloth to clean the air vents. A clean vent allows unimpeded circulation, which promotes effective heating. This means it’s important to clean them often while winterizing. It not only makes the house warmer but also healthier.
Install a Humidifier
During the winter, there are several advantages to installing a whole-house humidifier. It keeps the air from being too dry, which lessens the likelihood of skin and respiratory problems. Humidity is another important factor in the longevity of wooden furniture and musical instruments. Installing a humidifier can even help a home’s heating system work better, which means improved comfort and lower heating bills.
Clear the Area Around Heating Equipment
Another step in winterizing a home’s heating system is to clear the space surrounding the indoor and outdoor units. Avoiding the buildup of combustible debris near heating appliances guarantees adequate ventilation and lessens the likelihood of fires. Unimpeded access also facilitates safer maintenance, repairs and operation.
Are you ready to winterize your home’s heating system? In addition to heater maintenance, we offer cooling and ductwork services. Give Real Airflow Heating & Cooling a call today to speak with a licensed technician about proper heater maintenance.
