Wintertime in Southeast Georgia: How to Prepare Your Home for the Colder Months

Winter isn’t exactly a daunting season in southeast Georgia. Our temperatures don’t drop below freezing for long and snow isn’t an issue. What should we be concerned about? Well, when it comes to properly caring for your HVAC unit, there are a few considerations when we enter the colder months.

Even in warmer climates, the first step to winterizing your HVAC system is to inspect and replace your air filters. Dirty filters can impede airflow, causing your system to work harder, or affect your indoor air quality. Filters should be checked monthly and replaced or cleaned as soon as they get dirty. This improves your HVAC unit’s efficiency and ensures clean air circulation.

Verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly by comparing its temperature reading to that of an external thermometer. If there is a variance, you may need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to calibrate it. It’s a good idea to check your thermostat’s functionality annually. Consider installing a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. This is a great way to save money especially when temperatures fluctuate drastically like they can do in southeast Georgia during the colder months.

Even in milder winters, it’s beneficial to inspect for air leaks around doors and windows. Look for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks using weatherstripping or caulking. Proper insulation ensures that warm air stays in and cold air stays out, reducing the workload on your HVAC system and improving overall energy efficiency.

While winter maintenance might not be as intensive in warmer climates, it’s still advisable to schedule HVAC maintenance. This includes checking the heating components, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring that everything is in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Air Concepts offers maintenance plans and customers who’ve opted into scheduled maintenance get priority servicing.

If your home is equipped with a furnace or heat pump, inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. Clean or replace furnace filters, check for unusual noises, and address any issues promptly to avoid potential problems during the colder months. Not sure what you’re looking for? Air Concepts offers heat pump services to ease your mind.

If your HVAC system includes an outdoor unit, such as a heat pump or condenser, clear away leaves, debris, and vegetation. Trim any plants that may obstruct airflow. Regularly checking the outdoor unit helps ensure it operates optimally.

Turn on your heating system well before the coldest days arrive to ensure it’s working correctly. This allows you to identify any issues early on and address them promptly, ensuring a reliable heat source when you need it the most.

Keep an eye on your utility bills during the winter months. Sudden spikes may indicate potential issues with your HVAC system and addressing them promptly can prevent more significant problems.

Even though our winter preparation may not be as extensive as it would be in colder regions, it’s still important to take steps to ensure your HVAC unit operates efficiently and provides comfort when needed. Regular maintenance is key to ensure your HVAC unit is ready to face the challenges of winter, providing reliable warmth for you and your family. If you want the professionals at Air Concepts to handle that for you, we’re just a phone call away: (912) 261-9013

Air Concepts has serviced the Golden Isles and surrounding areas since 1999. As a family owned and operated business, we are proud of our reputation for honesty and dependability. With over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, our technicians are trustworthy, reliable, professional, and ready to tackle your needs no matter how big or small. Allow us to exceed your expectations and change the way you view companies in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning realm. We love making your living space comfortable for you and your loved ones.