HVAC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

Two things are inevitable in Philadelphia when November hits: the downward spiral of the Eagles, and bitter coldness setting in. While there is not much you can do about the first one, you can prepare your home for the wintry weather with a few simple steps. Our blog is full of tips to winterize your HVAC system, but a misstep could spell disaster down the road — a reality you don’t want to face in the dead of winter.

HVAC maintenance mistakes can wreak havoc this season, but they don’t have to. With a ServiceWhale contractor, you can get your home ready for the cold season. If you are doing at least part of the maintenance by yourself, here are a few common blunders to avoid.

Covering Your Air Conditioning Unit

Conventional wisdom says that, when the cold comes, you need to cover up your AC unit to protect it from damage. Doing so is one of the most common HVAC maintenance mistakes made every winter — just ask any ServiceWhale contractor. Think back to when you bought your unit; it likely cost a pretty penny. But much of that cost is due to its durability. It is made to withstand freezing temperatures.

If you do cover it, there are a couple issues you may face. First of all, mice and other rodents will likely take shelter there. As they make nests, they are prone to chew through wiring. Secondly, the increased moisture in the air makes your covered AC unit a prime location for mildew growth. The only time you should cover your unit is if hail or a blizzard is forecasted. After that weather, uncover it immediately to prevent the above issues. If your AC unit is already in need of repair or replacement, check out our great specials.

Turning Off Your Heater

If you are traveling during the holidays, or leave the house empty during the day, you may be tempted to turn off your system to save money. While you may think this may show up as chunks of money saved on your energy bill, the truth is that it will do much more harm than good. Your heater will have to work much harder to bring the temperature up to a comfortable level, which can decrease its lifespan.

Instead, keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees, minimum. This is the set point when the family is home, and is easily adjustable on colder nights. When the house is empty, program the thermostat at 60 degrees. Otherwise, your heater will be trying to quickly raise the temperature by 40 degrees instead of just 8. That’s going to cost you a whole lot more on your energy bill.

Ignoring Maintenance Altogether

For those who are busy or simply forgetful, not taking care of your system may be your go-to solution. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst HVAC maintenance mistakes you can make. Even simple actions like changing your filters can have a drastic impact on your system’s wellbeing.

If you don’t have time to perform maintenance or just don’t want to do so, ServiceWhale can help. Our network of expert contractors can have your HVAC system in peak condition when the snow and ice hits. If you are searching for a contractor in Philadelphia to help you avoid these costly HVAC maintenance mistakes, visit us online to get started on a free quote.