How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Extreme Weather

Extreme weather can be a nightmare if your HVAC system isn’t ready to handle it. Whether it’s a scorching summer heatwave or a bitter winter cold snap, your home’s comfort depends on your HVAC system working at its best. But are you giving it the attention it deserves before the weather turns wild?

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your HVAC system in tip-top shape so that it performs flawlessly, no matter what nature throws at it.

1. Consider Professional HVAC Services

Let’s be honest—some HVAC maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals. While you can do plenty of things yourself, hiring an expert for HVAC services in Bellevue can save you time, hassle, and money in the long run. A certified HVAC technician can inspect your system from top to bottom, looking for any hidden issues that might cause trouble during extreme weather.

Why is this so important?

• They have the expertise to spot problems you might miss.
• They can perform tasks like refrigerant checks and electrical inspections, which are not DIY-friendly.
• Routine maintenance by a professional ensures your system is running efficiently, which can help reduce energy bills during extreme weather.
• You’ll have peace of mind knowing your system won’t suddenly break down when you need it most.

2. Change or Clean Your Air Filters

This one is a no-brainer but often gets overlooked. Dirty air filters can seriously hinder your HVAC system’s performance, causing it to work harder than it should. This extra strain can lead to higher energy bills, and worse, it can cause your system to fail when the weather is at its worst.

How often should you change or clean the filters? Ideally, once every 1-3 months. If you live in a particularly dusty area or have pets, you might want to do this even more frequently. Clean air filters help ensure that air flows freely, keeping your home comfortable and your HVAC system running smoothly.

3. Inspect Your Thermostat

Is your thermostat working as it should? You’d be surprised how often HVAC issues come down to a faulty or poorly calibrated thermostat. Take a few minutes to check if your thermostat is responding correctly. Does the temperature in your home reflect the settings on the thermostat?

If you have an older, non-programmable thermostat, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern smart thermostats allow you to program heating and cooling schedules based on when you’re home and when you’re not, ensuring that your HVAC system only runs when necessary. This can significantly improve your system’s efficiency and reduce the wear and tear it experiences during extreme weather.

4. Clean Your Outdoor Unit

Your HVAC’s outdoor unit can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other debris, especially after stormy weather. A dirty unit can reduce airflow and make your system work harder than it needs to.

Before cleaning, make sure the unit is turned off for safety. Remove any debris around the unit and use a garden hose to gently clean the fins. Avoid using high-pressure water, as this can damage the delicate parts of the system. Keeping the outdoor unit clean ensures that air circulates properly and prevents unnecessary strain on your system.

5. Seal Any Leaks in Your Ductwork

Leaky ductwork can be a silent killer for your HVAC system’s efficiency. If air is escaping through cracks and holes, your system has to work harder to heat or cool your home. This not only wastes energy but also makes it harder to keep your home comfortable during extreme weather conditions.

Take some time to inspect your ducts for any visible leaks or damage. You can also have a professional conduct a more thorough ductwork inspection. Sealing leaks with metal tape or mastic sealant can make a big difference in how well your system performs, especially when temperatures reach extreme highs or lows.

6. Clear Vents and Registers

Blocked vents or registers can also put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Walk around your home and ensure that no furniture, curtains, or other items are blocking the airflow. If you have adjustable vents, make sure they are fully open in rooms you use frequently. Restricted airflow can reduce your system’s efficiency and make it harder for your home to stay comfortable during extreme weather.

7. Check for Insulation Problems

Did you know that proper insulation is essential for an efficient HVAC system? Without the right insulation, your HVAC unit has to work much harder to maintain the desired temperature. This is especially true during extreme weather when the outdoor temperatures are most severe.

Check your home’s insulation, especially in the attic and around doors and windows. Poor insulation means your HVAC system is battling against the outdoor elements without much support. Improving your insulation can make a world of difference in how well your HVAC system handles extreme weather.

8. Test Your System Before Extreme Weather Hits

Don’t wait until the first blistering heatwave or freezing cold snap to discover your HVAC system has issues. A great way to avoid this is by testing your system well before the extreme weather arrives. Run both the heating and cooling systems for a few hours, checking for any strange noises, uneven temperatures, or weak airflow.

If something seems off, don’t wait to get it fixed. Small issues can turn into big problems when your HVAC is working its hardest. Identifying and fixing these issues in advance ensures you’re prepared for whatever the weather brings.

Preparing your HVAC system for extreme weather doesn’t have to be complicated. With a mix of DIY tasks and help from professionals, you can rest easy knowing your home will stay comfortable even in the harshest conditions. Take the time now to ensure your system is ready, and you’ll save yourself stress, money, and discomfort later.