How to Prepare Your Home for Extreme Weather: Heatwaves and Cold Snaps
A well-operating HVAC system can keep up with the unexpected rush of chilly or hot temperatures throughout the winter and summer. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature, there are a few things you should check first to ensure that your HVAC system is functioning properly.
The following are some suggestions that might help you in getting your house ready not only for the normal temperature fluctuations that occur throughout the year but also for the extremes of both heat and cold.
How to beat the heat during heat waves?
A prolonged stretch of temperatures that are much higher than average is known as a heatwave. Children and the elderly who are sensitive to heat-related diseases are particularly at risk during heat waves. We will explore ways to keep your house cool throughout the summer months, as well as what to do if your air conditioning unit malfunctions.
- Check your air conditioning unit
A qualified HVAC professional must do routine maintenance on your air conditioner if you’d like to keep your house comfortable throughout the summer. Perform annual checks and tests on your air conditioner, particularly in the spring. You should change the air filters regularly and have a professional inspect your ducts and vents for leaks.
- Set up a programmable thermostat
You can configure a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically throughout the day. The automated setting helps you reduce your energy bills and maintain comfort.
- Isolate your home
Check the caulk around all the windows and doors to make sure the cold air stays inside. The loss of cool air could be reduced by adding extra insulation. Insulation is an all-season solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Additionally, you can use caulk to efficiently seal cracks and stop air leakage.
- Verify the humidity and the indoor air quality
Moisture from the air rises during the warmer months, making your house an ideal breeding ground for mold, mites, and other allergies. You can manage the humidity by using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner. You should also make an effort to maintain your house dust- and contaminant-free.
- Replace your ac filter routinely
Regularly replacing the filter is one of the most essential things you can do to preserve your air conditioning system. Your air conditioner should work harder and consume more energy if the filter is blocked or unclean. Frequently, air conditioner filter replacement is necessary every several months.
- Keep windows covered
You can add awnings to prevent heat from entering your house via your windows. You could also decrease the amount of solar heat that enters your home by using blinds or light-colored drapes, storm windows, or window film.
How to keep warm during freezing weather?
When the outdoor temperature drops dramatically over a short period of time, it is called a “cold snap.” If you get your home ready for winter before the cold sets in, you can stay warm without spending a lot on heating costs. You can do a few things to prepare your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for winter before the first snowfall.
- Verify the furnace
A professional HVAC expert should check your furnace at least once each year, preferably in the fall. Regular furnace service keeps your furnace operating at peak efficiency. To get the most out of your heater, check the air filters and make sure the vents are not blocked.
- Modify the filters
Cleaning the HVAC filter that traps dust, grime, and other particles is an important aspect of keeping your furnace in good working order. If you want your heating and air conditioning system to work efficiently during cold weather, you should change the filter once a month throughout the winter.
- Insulate home
A house with inadequate insulation is more difficult to heat than one with enough insulation. There should not be any space between your window and door frames, since this will allow chilly air from the outside to enter your home. Replace worn weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors to ensure a tight seal.
- Examine airflow
A constant supply of air is necessary for the proper operation of your heating and air conditioning systems. Any obstruction makes the system work harder and might eventually cause damage. In addition to a filthy HVAC filter, blocked or covered vents are the most typical source of airflow issues.
- Insulate pipework
Protect plumbing and pipes from the cold by wrapping them with insulation. In the wintertime, never entirely shut off your heating. Remember to maintain a temperature of at least 10 ° C while you’re away, since a sudden decrease in temperature might cause your pipes to freeze and burst.
- Modernize your thermostat
Your heating system operates much more effectively when the thermostat is working properly. Make sure your thermostat is in excellent operating condition before winter arrives. When making modifications to the thermostat, ensure that the temperature readings are correct and that your furnace reacts promptly.
- Repair your system
A failing component often impacts the whole system. When maintenance is put off for too long, there’s a greater probability that other components may break. Do all necessary maintenance before the onset of winter storms.
- Clear debris
The eavestroughs and downspouts may get clogged with leaves, debris, and sticks. Before winter arrives, be sure to clear out your gutters and examine your roof for damaged, missing, or loose tiles.
Conclusion
It’s important to plan ahead before the seasons change to make sure you’re cozy and secure in the winter and at ease in the summer. Weatherproofing your house entails a variety of simple actions that you may do on your own. They include installing a programmable thermostat, sealing or weatherstripping your doors and windows, replacing the air filters, and repairing your system once or twice a year. You can stay more at ease during extreme temperatures and cold with these strategies. Also you can save money on energy costs and be comfortable with a well-run HVAC system.