As winters are approaching, Dubai which is known for its scorching summer is also starting to get blows of cold weather. Even though winters in Dubai are not as extreme as in other regions of the world, you still need to prepare your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit for winter so you can save yourself from cold winter, and ensure the optimal performance of your unit. This article will walk you through a series of HVAC tips for winter that are mandatory to adopt in order to ensure energy efficiency and comfort in the milder months.
1. Clean the Vents and Change the Air Filters:
This is the most known and common step that most people overlook. Air filters which are responsible for cleaning the air can accumulate dust mites, debris, pollen, and other pollutants over time. As the filters get dirty, they can’t clean the air effectively for you. HVAC Technicians advise you to clean your filters every month and replace them after 3 months to boost the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality).
Air filters are not the only thing that needs cleaning. It is equally important to check your Air Vents for any dirt and dust. Clean the Vents properly and remove any blocking dust particles from them. Inadequately cleaned Air Vents can cause poor ventilation.
2. Test the Furnace beforehand:
It is no fun to shiver in the cold when your furnace isn’t working properly in the peak winter months. It is always wise to inspect the functioning of the furnace beforehand. It is advised to turn on and check the operation of the furnace at least 3 times before the peak cold season. This is because sometimes, due to inactivity, your furnace can have some malfunctioned parts, which need identification beforehand.
Set the temperature of the furnace at your desired winter temperature and let the house warm up at that temperature before you put out the air. Now examine if the heating system is working properly or not. If not, then get the necessary repairs done and make the furnace fully functional before winter.
3. Insulate Properly:
Insulation is a very important aspect to keep the heat from the system locked inside the house and save your system from additional work. Before winter, walk around the house and look for any holes, and creaks in the doors and walls to seal them properly. You can seal them using your old DIY tricks or you can also get your complete living space insulated professionally through Blown Insulation. You can also use Insulation batting available in the market.
4. Reprogram your Thermostat:
Now that we’re doing seasonal changes with your unit, reprogramming your thermostat is also a part of HVAC Winter Maintenance. The desired temperature can vary from person to person depending on the size of the house, the number of occupants, and many other factors. However, the ideal temperature to set on your thermostat in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will evenly warm up your home. In case of absence of any occupants, you can turn down the temperature to 10 degrees. The research shows that by doing this, you can save up to 10% on your bills in winter.
For fan settings in your thermostat, you can set it on AUTO Mode, so the blower only runs upon detecting the heating cycle. It will save up on extra energy consumption and the fan won’t blow cold air as it won’t run without a heating cycle.
5. Obstacle-free the Furnace:
The furnace must be cleared of all obstacles like dust, dirt, and other particles. Do not cover the furnace with anything. No items should be leaned against the exterior of the Furnace. At least a minimum of 3 feet distance must be maintained from the furnace. Flammable items must be kept at a 6-foot distance from the Furnace. Airflow passages must be unblocked. Also, clean the blower motor and heat exchanger. Blocked passages reduce the air flow and make it harder for the furnace to operate hence the furnace consumes more energy to function. While doing this, don’t forget to check the ignitor and pilot light.
6. Winterize the Outdoor HVAC Unit:
With the winter approaching, it is necessary to keep the cooling outdoor unit of the HVAC unit safe from the harsh climate. To protect your outdoor unit, first, you should remove all the grass clippings, debris, animal droppings, other leaves, and other bushes from around the unit.
Clean the outdoor unit thoroughly and if necessary, you can use a water hose to rinse the buildup dirt. After rinsing, let the unit dry. Clear the space of at least 2 feet around the unit from all sides. Look for any leaking gutters above the HVAC unit, if water is leaking over the unit, get it fixed immediately. This will save the unit from moisture buildup and save the furnace from ice buildup in the winter.
For extra safety, locate the circuit and cut the power supply by turning it off to prevent accidental startups during the winter. There is no need to cover the unit with any additional covers, the exteriors of outdoor units are built to withstand the harsh weather. However, you can cover the unit to keep the unit safe from intruding animals and from accumulating dust and leaves.
7- Inspect Noise Levels:
You can also look for the sounds that come out from your Furnace unit to detect any problems. If the unit keeps giving rattling, buzzing, and banging sounds after being functional for quite a time, there might be a problem with the unit. You should consult a professional technician in this case to examine the whole unit to identify and mend the issue.
8- Scheduling HVAC Winter Tune-Up:
It is recommended to get your HVAC units serviced twice a year. Fall and Spring are ideal seasons for maintenance and repair as HVAC units are not much in use in that timeframe. Scheduling a repair in these seasons is more convenient because technicians can get to you sooner than in the peak season when almost everyone needs a tune-up and services are comparatively more expensive in that season. If you experienced any difficulty last year or any faulty part, routine service, and maintenance will save you from costly future repairs and possible malfunctions. The professional technicians will clean your whole system, improve your Indoor Air Quality, and save your system from wear and tear. Al Imran Technical Services is a well-renowned company providing HVAC maintenance and repair at cost-effective prices.
Preparing your HVAC system for winter in Dubai involves a combination of simple tasks and professional maintenance. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently, providing a comfortable indoor environment throughout the winter months. Proper maintenance not only enhances system performance but also contributes to energy savings and a healthier living space for you and your family.
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