Common Winterizing Mistakes

Common Winterizing Mistakes

As the temps continue to dip, you’ll want to be sure your residence is all ready for winter. When winterizing your home is done correctly, you’ll not only be toasty during these colder months, but you will also save money due to properly running HVAC systems, while also mitigating fire and carbon monoxide risks. From your friends at The Appliance Doctor, here are common winterizing mistakes to avoid:

Not having a furnace inspection. Don’t wait until the first snowfall to have your furnace checked. A dirty filter poses the threat of dangerous carbon monoxide, when the heating system flue or a vent become blocked from debris. A dirty filter also hurts the efficiency of your furnace, as your furnace has to work much harder to pump warm air around your residence. Think clean filter = functioning furnace. Our professional inspectors will ensure that your furnace is running safely and efficiently.

Not keeping the area around your furnace clear. This comes from both a safety and efficiency standpoint: you don’t want anything catching on fire, and you don’t want anything blocking the air vents.

Using the “set it and forget it” approach on thermostats. Many folks simply set their thermostats to a certain temp and forget about it; this can cost you more money in the long run. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature several degrees lower for several hours a day when nobody is at home

Turning on the heat while the thermostat is still set in Air Conditioning mode. You won’t feel the heat so to speak if your thermostat is still in AC mode. You’ll need to turn the AC off, and switch the Heat on, in order to activate the heating system.

Not testing your thermostat: Make sure your thermostat works before winter sets in. Turn off AC mode, and test in Heat mode, and wait for the tell-tale click of the unit turning on. Run the heat for several minutes, and warm air should circulate. Not the case? Give us a call and we’ll check out the problem.

Not shutting down your AC. You won’t be using AC during the winter, so be sure to turn it off. Failing to shut down your AC for the winter can spell disaster for both the overall system and unit. Water and snow accumulation can damage your AC beyond repair, necessitating a pricy replacement. Be sure to shut off your AC system completely via the AC breaker switch outside, then cover the condenser (outside unit) to keep moisture out.

Covering outside AC units with plastic. You’ll want to use a cover that is specifically intended for outdoor AC units, as plastic traps moisture. This is turn leads to rust and deterioration.

Not checking your carbon monoxide detector. That’s great that you have one, but you’ll want to check that it is working properly.

Relying on your carbon monoxide detector in lieu of an HVAC inspection: A carbon monoxide detector should not be a substitute for an annual inspection; think of the detector as your second line of defense.


Need Help Winterizing? Give Us a Call!

Schedule an HVAC inspection with us: Regular maintenance will ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly, no matter the season. Big plus: a properly working HVAC system is cost efficient. When your heating system does what it is supposed to do, you save money. Call us today to schedule regular inspections before your heating system gives you problems. We are here and happy to help you get your house cozy for winter.


Why Choose Us? We’re Great ‘Cause We’re NATE Certified!

NATE Certification

We are proud to be NATE certified for HVAC repair.

(NATE) North American Technician Excellence is the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians.

NATE tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems and validate the professional competency of service and installation technicians. Contractors, manufacturers, distributors and educators across the industry partner with NATE to develop knowledgeable, competent HVACR technicians. Home and business owners choose HVACR contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians to get repairs done right – the first time.

When you hire Appliance Dr. for your HVAC needs, you can rest assured you are getting the best possible technicians out to your home. We like to think of HVAC repair as one large appliance (which it is). We just want you to know that you are in good hands with us.

Even though HVAC repair is a new service for our company, we are masters at the trade. We’ve been doing it a long time for friends and family. Now, we just have the ability to offer it to our community as well.

Call us for your HVAC repair needs today at 970-773-1000!


Thank You

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our email newsletter. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to be able to bring you more news and updates from us, and we appreciate you being a part of our family. 

Without clients like you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re excited about this email newsletter because it’s another way for us to provide the best quality service we possibly can. If you have any questions for us, feel free to call or get in touch on our website. We’re always happy to speak with you! 

Keep an eye out from more from us in the future, and have a wonderful day!

-The Appliance Doctor