In addition to football, pumpkin spice, and all the other fun things that come with fall, there are a few important home maintenance tasks to add to your list as well. These winterizing tips will keep you comfortable year-round, but they’re also a vital part of keeping your heating and cooling systems in good condition.

Tips for winterizing your home

• Flush your water heater. Flushing the water heater once or twice per year will help prevent buildup, which will extend the life of your water heater.
• Drain and shut off outdoor faucets. Hoses and faucets can become easily damaged by water freezing inside them. Disconnect any hoses, drain outside faucets, and consider turning off the water to any outdoor spigots.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Inspect and install weatherproofing. Preventing air leaks in your home can significantly reduce energy loss. Check your home for drafts and either seal identified gaps with caulk or weatherproofing.
• Cover or store outdoor furniture. Keep your patio and other outdoor furniture in tip-top shape by covering or storing it to protect it from the elements and prevent it from fading.
• Clean the gutters of your home. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof and siding. To prevent this, clean and flush out the gutters at least once per year. This is a good thing to do in the fall to eliminate debris that is collected during the warmer months.

How to winterize your central air conditioning

Preparing your central air conditioning for the winter season will help to reduce energy consumption and protect your unit from the cold. Follow these AC winterization steps:

1. Clean dirt, dust, and debris off the exterior. A hose, broom, or cloth will do the job here. Air conditioning units often collect quite a bit of grime, so it’s a good idea to give it a good cleaning at the end of the season.
2. Remove debris. Leaves, branches, or other debris that block or cover your AC unit can lead to mold or mildew.
3. Cover the unit. While you don’t need to cover your air conditioning unit, you might want to use a cover or fence to protect your unit from rusting or collecting debris.

How to winterize your HVAC system

You don’t want your heater to die during a cold snap. Prepare in advance with these tips:

1. Schedule maintenance service. An HVAC technician can check your system to identify any issues or repairs that need to be made.
2. Replace air filters. Dirty air filters make your heating system work harder and also affect indoor air quality. Change any filters, being sure to buy the correct size and type and install them correctly.
3. Inspect your air ducts. Over time, dust and dirt can build up in your ducts. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, now is an ideal time to schedule air duct cleaning services with your local HVAC pros.

Need help getting ready for winter?

Get your home ready for chillier weather so you can relax and enjoy yourself this fall and winter. If you need help with any of your winter prep, the professionals at A+ Heating and Cooling are here to help. Call us at 910-600-6025 or schedule service online.