Fall is officially here! As you bundle up in the evenings, you know it’s time to start winterizing your home, but you could use some more info on where, and what exactly, to do. To help, we’ve rounded up the FAQs when it comes to winterizing your property. If you need help shutting down your AC system, or need an HVAC inspection, call The Appliance Doctor at 970-773-1000.
Winterizing FAQs
What exactly is winterizing?
As you guessed, winterizing is preparing something for the winter. When it comes to your residence, winterizing, also known as winterization, is about restricting airflow. You obviously do not want cold air (or snow!) infiltrating your home, so winterizing is about keeping cold air out, to prevent it from affecting interior temperatures.
How do I seal drafty windows and doors?
Drafty windows and doors are letting your money out the door, quite literally. By cold air infiltrating your home and warm air escaping, your heating bills can increase. Avoid losing any further money by ensuring your doors and windows are properly sealed. To seal windows and doors, you can use:
- Foam tape
- Re-caulking
- Weatherstripping
- Door snakes
- Insulated curtains
- Rolled up towels
What are benefits of winterizing?
Besides the obvious of maintaining a cozy and comfortable indoor climate, winterizing also helps you save money. According to the US Department of Energy, air drafts cause about 5-30% of home energy use to be wasted. Yikes! These issues can be solved with proper insulation and air duct sealing. Winterizing can also prevent mold and mildew growth as well.
Do I need to completely shut down my AC system?
Yes, you’ll need to shut down your AC system before any cold snaps. Otherwise, snow can wreak havoc on your AC unit and system, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. To winterize your AC system, shut it off completely via the AC breaker switch outside, and be sure to cover the condenser (outside unit) to keep moisture out.
Should I test the thermostat?
You’ll want to test your thermostat first before any major cold weather sets in. To test, set your thermostat to “Heat,” and wait for the tell-tale “on” click. Run the heat for several minutes, and pay attention to see if the air is now circulating. Is it now a warmer environment? If so, your thermostat is working properly. If not, gives a call at and we’ll check out the problem.
Can I just set my thermostat at a constant temperature?
While you can, doing this can cost you money in the long run. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature lower during the times of day when no one is home.
Should I have my furnace inspected?
Yes, you should absolutely have your furnace inspected to not only ensure proper functionality, but to ensure your own safety. Why? Waiting till the first snowfall to turn on the furnace could spell disaster. Dirty filters pose the threat of dangerous carbon monoxide. A dirty filter also harms the efficiency of your furnace, meaning it has to work harder.
Having Appliance Problems? Need Installation or Repairs? Call The Appliance Doctor!
Is your furnace not switching on? Or you have a burner on your stove that fails to heat? Reach out to us at 970-773-1000 or visit our site here to schedule an appointment, our certified technicians are here to get your household appliances up and running.
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