Though the winters are mild in Houston, you may experience sudden unexpected colds. So, it is wise to prepare your HVAC for the sudden shift in temperature. Proper preparation will make your HVAC ready to handle the winter. It will also ensure consistent temperatures indoors to keep you comfortable.
In this article, we’ll cover why you should prepare your HVAC system for Houston Winters, the preparations steps for winter, and some expert tips for a comfortable heating season.
TL; DR
Try to start the preparation in early fall (before the winter arrives). Hire HVAC professionals for any kind of inspection and make specific suggestions. Checking all components, repairing and replacing parts if required, and testing the heating system can make your HVAC ready for the temperature drop. Also, these preparations will keep your system efficient, healthy, and fully operational.
Why Preparing HVAC for Houston Winters is Essential
The preparation phase is always a better way to face unexpected issues or difficulties. Preparing your HVAC system for Houston winters can help the system adapt to the change easily. Here’s why this preparation is essential.
- Preparing your HVAC will ensure reliable heating during the winter. The system will easily cope with the temperature drop.
- As the preparation phase includes all maintenance and tune-ups, it increases the efficiency of the system. Moreover, it will help you avoid energy spikes as well as higher energy bills.
- If you prepare for winter temperatures, your system will not face sudden pressure. It will ultimately increase the lifespan of your HVAC.
- The most obvious thing, a well-prepared HVAC serves much better than any regular HVAC. It keeps the indoor environment comfortable and the system safe.
- You can avoid unexpected breakdowns during weather changes by preparing the system in advance.
These are the reasons why you should consider preparing the HVAC before winter knocks.
Steps to Follow to Prepare Your HVAC for Houston’s Winter
Experts suggest some key steps to prepare your HVAC for Houston’s winter. These will help your system operate without any difficulties. Here are some steps to prepare your HVAC system for Houston Winter:
1. Hire HVAC Professional for Inspection
Inspection is the first and essential part of the preparation phase. Hire a professional like The Chill Brothers to conduct proper inspection. All different parts and components should be checked well whether there is any damage, leaks, or other issues. The technician must test the entire system to check its efficiency and suggest specific changes if necessary.
2. Check the Heating System and Thermostat Settings
Testing the heating system before winter starts is necessary. It allows homeowners to find any potential issues that may arise later. You have to make sure that:
- All rooms are heating properly
- The thermostat is in heating mode
- No unusual noise is there
- No inconsistency in heating
3. Inspect Air Filters, Vents, Ducts, Furnace and Combustion Chamber
While preparing your HVAC system for Houston winters, consider inspecting the air filters, vents, ducts, furnace, and combustion chamber.
Francis Kasper, an HVAC professional of The Chill Brothers, suggests changing air filters every 1 to 3 months. Dust, dirt, and debris easily accumulate on air filters and make them unusable. It would be better if you replaced the air filters completely as winter preparation.
Clean the ducts and vents for uninterrupted airflow and heat distribution. A clean furnace and combustion chamber can also provide you with efficient heating. The Chill Brothers and other experts can provide expert assistance in cleaning and replacing the components.
4. Check Whether There are Leaks, Cracks, or Blockages
If your house does not have proper insulation, the system will experience heat loss. Improper insulations make the warming process difficult. So, check and seal the leaks properly if there are any.
Additionally, check the flue pipes to see if they have any cracks or blockages. Treat these cracks and blockages before winter knocks.
5. Maintain the Blower Motor, Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
The blower motor circulates warm air throughout the house. So, it should be maintained properly. Removing dust or other stuck particles and lubricating the motor can extend its lifespan.
Also, a well-maintained humidifier or dehumidifier is required for the sudden changes in Houston’s weather. It keeps the humidity level of the indoor air in balance.
6. Conduct Safety Checks and Implement Backup Power Solutions
Sometimes, gas-powered HVAC leaks carbon monoxide which is dangerous for your health. It is quite important to conduct a safety checkup before winter starts.
Moreover, having a backup for power outages can be very helpful. Consider a whole-home generator or battery backup. However, test the backup systems before winter arrives to find out if they are operational or not.
7. Conduct an Energy Audit
Hire HVAC professionals like The Chill Brothers to conduct a detailed energy audit. It will identify any issues or any heat loss happening in your house. Professionals will recommend necessary steps specifically for your home structure and HVAC type.
These steps will allow you to identify any issues and prepare your HVAC before winter arrives in Houston. This preparation will make the HVAC efficient and smooth. Furthermore, you will not face any extra hassle when the temperature drops suddenly.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Preparing Your HVAC System for Houston Winters
Homeowners should be aware of these simple tricks to get the best outcome of their preparation:
- Start your preparation process in early fall. Inspection and other checkups may require time.
- If any part is faulty or the system is not in good condition, you must repair or replace it.
- Do not set the thermostat too high. Houston’s winter is normally mild with sudden temperature drops. So, high temperatures are not required. Try setting the thermostat at 68 to 70°F.
- Maintain the humidity level indoors during winter. Focus on having 30 to 50% humidity to maintain a balanced indoor environment.
- Never overlook the installation of Carbon monoxide detectors. You cannot detect Carbon monoxide emission by yourself as it is an odorless and colorless gas. So, use a detector as suggested by a certified professional and test monthly if there are any gas emissions.
- Do not skip the regular replacement of the air filters.
- Experts emphasize not following any DIY methods to clean and seal the ducts. As it requires expert handling, you shouldn’t try it yourself.
- Many people believe ceiling fans are for summer, not winter. It is a Myth. Try using ceiling fans in reskilling mode on a low setting. It will evenly circulate the warm air throughout your house and keep you warm during winter.
- Another myth is that homeowners think just turning on the heater is the preparation phase. The preparation is way more than just turning on the heater. Follow all the steps mentioned earlier to ensure proper preparation for winter.
- Do not forget to clean the exterior unit for about two feet around it. This ensures proper outdoor airflow and optimizes the performance of the system.
Summing Up: Do Not Fall for Common Mistakes While Preparing the HVAC
Preparing your HVAC for Houston’s winter can offer you better efficiency, proper comfort, and safety as well. Follow the steps and expert tricks to get ready for the winter.
However, some common mistakes can ruin all your efforts towards preparation. Avoid such mistakes like
- Neglecting air filter changes
- Overlooking odor or noise
- Not incorporating Carbon monoxide detectors
- Not focusing on humidity control
- Ignoring the need for professional HVAC technicians etc.
These mistakes are quite common among homeowners. So, be prepared and do not overlook the common mistakes. Take some time to be prepared for the sudden shift of the weather to ensure your health and safety.
