Winter is Coming: Guin’s Go-To HVAC Checklist

Here we go again. It seems like just a few weeks ago temperatures were in the 70s and 80s. Suddenly, the trees are barren, the sky is gray, and there’s a festive chill in the air. That means it’s time to prepare for winter with  Guin’s go-to HVAC winter checklist! 

Here at Guin Service, our mission is to ensure our customers’ HVAC systems are operational and well-maintained. The volatility of our climate across the eastern half of the United States becomes exaggerated as we get further into the winter months. Let’s take a look at how you can check in with your HVAC system prior to the deep freeze. 

Check & Change The Filters

Frankly, it’s best to change your filters on a monthly basis. Air filters grow dirty and clogged, making it much more difficult for your heating system to distribute warm air evenly throughout the house. And it’s particularly important come winter time, when heating is needed most!

Of Guin Guard’s countless benefits, consistent filter changes is but one. Check out our Guin Guard program today for more information about how you can guarantee regular maintenance and repairs on HVAC and plumbing units throughout your home. 

Check Oil & Gas Lines

The gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger absolutely must be looked at come wintertime. Without ensuring these connections remain tight, you’re permitting a fire hazard. Furthermore, a dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger will foul up the burner operation. Both of these issues prompt an unsafe and inefficient environment for your heating equipment. 

Those with experience may be able to mark these items off the HVAC winter checklist, but generally, we don’t recommend it. For safety purposes, you should always call a trained technician to assess your oil and gas lines. Guin Guard can provide you with routine maintenance from true HVAC experts in your area. 

Check Your Thermostats

Broken or faulty thermostats are a real headache during the first cold days of winter, right when you need them most. More than providing temperature readings, thermostats communicate to your HVAC systems how to respond to the current room temperature. Also, be sure to check on any furnace thermostats. 

Of course everyone has their own temperature preferences. Typically, setting your thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees optimizes energy usage and comfort. Be prepared so you can avoid a protracted struggle over the temperature between family members!

Check Your Burner Ignition

Ensure that any and all systems using a pilot light are working properly. The most important function during these checkups involves calibrating carbon monoxide (CO) levels. CO is fatal when consumed in large quantities. Contact Guin Service immediately to make sure your home isn’t at risk for carbon monoxide emissions. 

Check On Your AC Unit

This is the checklist item most often skipped. Many people think that the AC unit can be ignored until the summer months return. On the contrary, Guin’s HVAC winter checklist includes air conditioning maintenance, and for good reason. 

Standing water in the condensation drain pan can cause structural damage to your home. The ensuing humidity spike invites fungus, mold, bacteria, and other viruses.

Additionally, the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils need to be cleaned, the AC unit’s refrigerant should be checked, and window units should be covered to protect them from the winter elements. 

While a select few homeowners possess the knowledge and experience to perform proper maintenance, the vast majority of our clients would be putting themselves and their homes at risk by attempting to complete this HVAC winter checklist. We strongly advise that you have a professional HVAC technician from Guin Service review these items for you. From preparing the heating elements for the colder months and properly shutting down the AC equipment for the winter, our staff is best equipped to hit all maintenance services on Guin’s go-to HVAC winter checklist. 

Guin Service: Quality HVAC and Plumbing Services in the Birmingham area

Contact Guin Service, LLC, serving Birmingham, Hoover, and Mountain Brook, AL, to get more information about how a smart thermostat will save you time and money. We’ve been in business for 60 years because we make sure our customers are always satisfied. Just give us a call today at 205.595.4846.