With the cozy winter season settling here in Colorado, it’s essential to prepare your home for winter weather and ensure that the colder conditions don’t become a threat. From burst pipes to icy rooftops, winter weather can cause chaos. Preparing your home for winter can help you mitigate future damage and avoid costly repair bills.

1. Inspect Your Heating System

Proper furnace maintenance is crucial before the winter season arrives. Winter is when your furnace works hardest, and there’s nothing worse than a malfunctioning furnace as temperatures begin to fall. To ensure it’s up to the task, check the air filters and perform a heat test. Cleaning the blower motor and heat exchanger can also help optimize your system for winter use. For gas furnaces, don’t forget to test the ignitor switch and relight the pilot light if needed. Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance to ensure your furnace or heating system is working efficiently.

2. Change Your Air Filter And Clean Air Vents

A common cause of HVAC breakdowns is the buildup of dirt and dust in the filtering system. Inspect your HVAC air filter monthly and replace it within 90 days if you notice any issues. It’s a good idea to keep spare filters on hand, as a dirty filter hampers performance. Also, make sure to check and clean the air vents in your home. Dust and dirt accumulation can lead to blockages and reduce airflow efficiency.

3. Winterize And Cover Your Outdoor AC Unit to Protect It from Winter Elements

Living in Colorado, where winter conditions can be severe, it’s important to fully winterize your outdoor AC unit before snow and ice arrive. On a day when the weather is decent, take the time to clear away leaves, twigs, and grass clippings from your unit. Using a garden hose can help rinse off dirt, dust, bugs, and animal droppings for a thorough clean.

Once the unit is dry, turn off the power supply by switching off the electrical circuit to prevent accidental starts on warmer winter days. Lastly, cover the HVAC unit with a breathable waterproof cover to prevent moisture buildup throughout the winter, and be sure to clear any snow, ice, or debris that accumulates over time.

4. Re-Program Your Thermostat

When transitioning between heating and cooling modes, be sure to adjust your thermostat’s programmed settings as well. Temperature preferences for heating and cooling often vary, and seasonal changes may require modifications to setback periods.

Set your thermostat to comfortable yet energy-efficient temperatures during times when your home is occupied. A recommended set-point of 68 degrees can help optimize heating efficiency while maintaining comfort.

5. Create Climate Zones to Avoid a Hot Upstairs-Cold Downstairs Situation

As you may know, warm air rises while cold air settles at ground level, making the upstairs of a multi-story home feel much warmer in the winter. To address this imbalance, you can create climate zones. A simple and effective solution is to close a few vents on the second floor, encouraging your heating system to direct more warm air downstairs.

6. Consider Installing Additional Insulation

To prepare your home for winter, think about adding extra insulation. A properly insulated home is more energy-efficient. Hire a local HVAC expert to assess your attic for any worn-out insulation and replace it as needed.

While you’re at it, a simple DIY task is to inspect the weatherstripping around all doors and windows. The cold air can seep through drafts, impacting the ground floor first, so prioritize it during your home inspection.

7. Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System

If your furnace is over 10 years old, it could operate at only 60% efficiency. Instead of waiting for it to break down, replacing it now could be a smarter financial move. Modern high-efficiency models can reduce heating costs, offer improved reliability, and have updated warranty coverage. With efficiencies reaching up to 97%, you’ll likely see the benefits reflected in your next utility bill.

8. Schedule Your HVAC Inspection

It’s important to have your HVAC system inspected annually to keep it running smoothly. Fall is the ideal time for an inspection to get your system ready for the winter rush, but if you missed it, winter inspections are still a great option. Great Guys Colorado is your trusted HVAC and plumbing expert to ensure you prepare your home for Colorado’s winter weather. Contact us today, and let us provide the quality service and care your home deserves!