HVAC Winter Preparedness & Safety Tips

Winter is not the most ideal time of year to deal with HVAC issues, but when an HVAC disaster strikes, it almost always happens during a holiday or freezing weekend. Improperly maintained systems are more susceptible to problems from extra use with house guests, cooking family meals, or extreme temperatures. Preparing HVAC systems for intense winter temperatures keeps homes warm and temperatures maintained throughout the holidays and winter.

Albuquerque’s desert climate causes residents to experience sharp temperature drops at night. The high elevation of over 5,000 also creates cold, dry air, which is challenging for HVAC systems. Proper maintenance and preparedness for a building’s HVAC system sets residents and building owners up for a warmer and happier winter without experiencing any HVAC disasters.

Below, we will delve into the most critical maintenance needed before winter and other tips for keeping a home and building safe when the HVAC system works hard during the cold months.

Why HVAC Maintenance is Crucial Before Winter

Albuquerque’s dry, desert air is the perfect environment to cause excess dust buildup in vents and create HVAC system inefficiencies. However, a well-maintained system will run efficiently, saving energy costs in the long run.

By regularly inspecting HVAC systems for weaknesses, residents and building owners proactively fix issues before the system breaks down. Prepped and regularly maintained systems are equipped to handle Albuquerque’s high-elevation desert environment’s dry environment and extreme temperatures.

Essential HVAC Winter Maintenance Tips

The best thing you can do to prepare for the winter is to schedule a professional inspection from a trusted business for a building or home’s HVAC winter tune-up. Ensure the inspector focuses on components affected by Albuquerque’s dry and dusty environment. Services like changing air filters in the HVAC system can prevent more significant issues and repairs in the future.

Air filters and duct cleaning are essential in this desert environment. Regularly cleaning HVAC ducts has multiple benefits for homeowners and business owners, primarily in Albuquerque’s arid climate, where dust and allergens build up.

Clean ducts can:
• Improve indoor air quality
• Relieve respiratory issues like asthma or allergies
• Reduce energy waste and lower utility bills
• Extend the lifespan of the HVAC system
• Eliminate persistent odors

You may be experiencing symptoms of clogged or dirty air filters and ducts if you notice persistent odors caused by dust, mold, and pet dander. These symptoms can worsen when windows are closed for cooler weather.

Cleaning ducts also helps prevent mold and mildew, which can accumulate more aggressively during New Mexico’s monsoon season, ensuring a healthier indoor environment year-round.

Making sure ducts and air filters are clean before winter is essential to maintaining a healthy environment while the windows are closed during winter. It is also necessary to ensure the system works well through winter.

As previously mentioned, the Albuquerque area experiences large temperature swings between day and night. These temperature swings can cause energy inefficiencies within the HVAC system and cost the building or homeowner more. There are better options than traditional thermostats for those looking to create a more energy efficient system and save money in the long run.

Programmable or smart thermostats allow property owners to manage the temperature by setting the heating for drastic highs and lows. Upgrading to a consistent and automatic thermostat setting saves money and ensures the system is working to maximum efficiency.

Fall leaves and windy winter weather can cause the build up of debris, dirt, and leaves around properties, and more importantly, an outdoor HVAC system. When preparing a business or home for winter, property owners must remove this buildup from any outdoor HVAC units. A HVAC unit needs at least two feet of clear air and space to provide optimal performance.

HVAC Safety Tips For Winter

All property owners can benefit from learning a few HVAC winter tips and HVAC winter maintenance suggestions to keep their homes and businesses safe.

With the systems working hard, the windows closed, and more people indoors, it is vital that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and checked regularly. For those with gas furnaces or boilers, inspecting these for signs of leaks or unusual odors is also critical to keeping everyone on the property safe.

Homeowners and building owners must also check all the electrical connections and confirm they are secure and in good working condition. Property owners will need to test their emergency shut-off switch to make sure that it is working correctly. While these tasks may seem monotonous and annoying to undertake before winter, they are critical for maintaining a healthy HVAC system and keeping everyone safe all winter long.

Final Thoughts

Winter is when your HVAC system is working the hardest, and ensuring it’s in top condition before the cold sets in is essential for a comfortable and worry-free season.

Scheduling a winter check-up with Anderson Air Corps (AAC) is the best way to ensure your HVAC system is ready to handle Albuquerque’s fluctuating temperatures and dry, dusty climate.

Make time to get proper maintenance on your HVAC system, including duct cleaning, filter changes, and a thorough system inspection from a qualified HVAC service technician. The proper maintenance will help your system run more efficiently, improve indoor air quality, reduce energy waste, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.

By being proactive, property owners will save their holidays and ensure they don’t spend any freezing nights with a broken system. Anderson Air Corp’s HVAC experts understand the unique challenges on your HVAC system from the Alburquerque environment. A winter preparedness inspection by AAC ensures your HVAC system is safe, energy-efficient, and ready to keep your home or building warm throughout the whole winter season.

Now is the time to schedule an HVAC winter check-up with Anderson Air Corps. Contact AAC today to ensure a warm, safe, and efficient winter.