If you haven’t already started winterizing your home and prepping your HVAC equipment, now is the time. As the weather gets colder, make sure your home is ready! Properly winterizing and preparing your home and HVAC equipment for the winter will ensure you and your family stay warm and cozy all season. Use our comprehensive checklist to get your HVAC winter-ready!
Schedule Fall Tune-up
- Contact a professional HVAC technician to schedule a fall maintenance visit to ensure your system is in good working order for the colder months.
Insulate & Seal
- Check for drafts around doors and windows and seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Insulate your attic, walls, and basement if needed to improve energy efficiency.
Change Air Filters
- Replace or clean the air filters in your HVAC system. This should be done every 1-3 months during the heating season, depending on the filter type.
Prep Humidifier
- Clean and inspect your home’s humidifier if you have one, and replace any old filters or pads.
Clean Around Furnace
- Clear the area around your furnace. Don’t store stuff close to the unit. This will ensure proper airflow and safety.
Re-program the Thermostat
- Adjust your thermostat settings for winter. Consider setting it to a lower temperature when you’re away or sleeping to save energy.
- Install a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat if you don’t have one.
Winterize Outdoor Equipment (If applicable)
- Clear any debris, vegetation or other potential obstructions from the outdoor unit of your HVAC system.
- Check the outdoor unit occasionally for ice, snow, and other blockages.
Service Chimney & Fireplace
- If you have a fireplace, schedule a chimney inspection and cleaning.
- Ensure the damper is working properly to prevent drafts when the fireplace is not in use.
Test Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors
- Test and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Ensure they are functioning correctly.
Clean & Open Vents & Registers
- Vacuum and clean heating vents and air registers.
- Make sure they are not blocked by furniture or curtains for efficient heating.
Change Ceiling Fans Direction
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise to help distribute warm air downwards.
Test Your Furnace
- Turn on your furnace to ensure it’s working correctly before the cold weather sets in.
- Listen for unusual noises and check for any unusual smells.
Do Necessary Repairs & Replacements
- Address any issues identified during the inspection and testing process.
- Replace malfunctioning components or make necessary repairs to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and safely throughout the winter.
- Replace the system if required before winter to ensure you will have a warm home.
Prepare for Winter with Spring Home’s Help
By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your home and HVAC system are ready to handle the challenges of the winter season, keeping you warm, comfortable, and safe. If you haven’t scheduled your furnace tune-up, call us to make an appointment. If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, get in touch with us; we’ll send one of our HVAC experts for an in-home consultation to help get you set up with the best heating solution for your home and budget.
Stay warm this winter.
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The Spring Home team has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 20 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with service they can trust and equipment they can rely on.