The state of Arizona might not see the coldest temperatures, but during the winter months, the state can still experience some chilly temperatures. Even though most of Arizona sees brief and mild winters, the nights do get cold, even dipping close to freezing temperatures at times.
The heater may not get used as much in Arizona as it does in other parts of the country, but it is still important for it to reliable when you need it. Prepping your HVAC unit for winter is a wise move to prevent costly repairs and high electric bills from inefficient units. On top of prepping your unit, preventative maintenance and routine checkups will also ensure that your system is working properly.
Steps to Prep Your HVAC Unit for Winter
Before the temperatures get too cold, make sure to do the following to make sure your unit is ready for winter.
Check Your Unit
First, check your heater before you need it! Since it hasn’t been used in months, turn it on to make sure it runs and that there is no damage. It is a good idea to get a tune-up in the fall, especially since it has been working hard during the hot summer months. A professional should inspect your unit by checking the diagnostics, taking an airflow test, searching for leaks, checking filters, valves, and all parts of the unit.
Replace Filters
Remember to replace the filters. If you do this accordingly and routinely, it will keep your unit running efficiently and improve the air quality. Dust can build up in the filters, causing air to not be able to circulate through, which makes your unit work even harder. Most units need filters changed every month, especially thanks to all of the dust in the desert across Arizona.
Clean Vents
While changing your filters, take the next step and look at all of the vents. Check to ensure that the vents are not blocked and that the airflow is desirable. You always want to unclog all of the vents for maximum efficiency.
Check Thermostat
After replacing your filters and checking your vents, make sure to check your thermostat. As your device ages, the accuracy of your thermostat can decline. An inaccurate thermostat makes your unit work harder and can increase utility costs. If you are thinking of replacing your thermostat, look into programmable thermostats, which will save you money in the end. There are many options out there and many are easy to use.
Using Your Heater
During the summer months, your heater hasn’t been used, so a layer of dust builds up, this is why your heater smells when it is first turned on. When you first turn the heater on, this thin layer of dust burns, causing the odor. The odor is harmless and you can always open your windows to help air out your house. Pay attention to the smell though and always call a professional if it doesn’t smell “normal”.
Routine Maintenance
When you need preventative maintenance for your plumbing, you call up the best plumbers in Mesa AZ. Just like with your plumbing, you want to have routine maintenance performed on your HVAC unit and only use qualified technicians. Small problems can pop up and preventative maintenance will alert you to these issues to prevent them from getting bigger, which can end up costing you a lot in repairs. There may be a time when you need to decide if you should repair or replace your HVAC unit. A knowledgeable technician will be able to advise you on the best option.
Rainforest Plumbing and Air
Rainforest Plumbing and Air offers HVAC service along with preventative maintenance and reactive maintenance. Our technicians have years of experience and know when it is time to repair or to replace your HVAC unit. Not only do we have the top plumbers in the east valley, we also have the top HVAC technicians that use only high quality techniques and tools. Rainforest Plumbing and Air hire only qualified and licensed technicians that are trusting and reliable. We offer the Up-Front Guarantee so there are no surprises at the end of the job. From fixing a leaking pipe to prepping your HVAC unit, Rainforest Plumbing and Air is just a phone call away.
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