Winter is Coming!
Alrighty, folks. This is your annual reminder that freezing temperatures are headed our way, and your HVAC system would like a little notice this time.
Every year, it happens. The forecast drops below freezing and suddenly:
Texans can’t find a jacket.
Thermostats get cranked.
Heaters that haven’t been touched since last February are expected to perform Olympic level feats without so much as a warm-up.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on, and how to prepare without panicking, freezing, or seriously annoying your HVAC system.
First Things First: Your Heater’s Not a Light Switch
Turning your thermostat up to 78 will not make your house heat faster; it will make your heater work harder and longer. We say this every time.
Your HVAC system thrives on consistency. Big jumps in temperature during freezing weather can strain the system and increase the chances of something going wrong at the absolute worst possible time.
Heritage Air Services Tip: Pick a comfortable temperature and let it do its thang. Trust us when we say… your heater is trying.
Yes, You Should Probably Change Your Filter
We know. You were really hoping this wouldn’t come up. Again.
Running your system with a dirty filter during a freeze is like trying to breathe through a scarf while sprinting uphill. Now imagine doing that for hours. Miserable, right?
A clogged filter forces your system to work overtime, kills airflow, and tanks efficiency.
Heritage Air Services Tip: Swap your filter before the cold hits. It takes about 5 mins, and your system will immediately forgive you.
The “Weird Noise” Panic Is Normal
When freezing temps roll in, your heater may:
Click.
Thump.
Make a sound that sends you straight to Google at midnight.
This doesn’t automatically SCREAM disaster. Metal expands and contracts, components warm up, and systems that have been sleeping since last winter are basically stretching after a very long nap.
Rule of thumb:
Mild, short-lived noises are totes normal.
Loud, constant, or alarming noises are your cue to call us.
Stop Using the Oven to Heat the House
Seriously, guys. Please don’t.
It’s unsafe and extremely ineffective. Your oven is for frozen pizza and holiday cookies, not warming the living room.
Same goes for plugging in every space heater you own and turning your house into a fire hazard obstacle course.
Heritage Air Services Tip: Seal drafts, close unused rooms, and let your HVAC system do the job it was literally built to do.
Don’t Forget About Your Pipes
Freezing temps don’t just mess with HVAC systems. They also terrorize plumbing.
Simple steps that help:
Drip faucets during hard freezes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks.
Insulate exposed pipes if you can.
Nothing kills the #CozyVibes faster than a burst pipe.
A Little Prep Goes a Looong Way
Before the freeze hits:
Test your heater now, not the night it drops to 25°.
Replace the air filter.
Check thermostat batteries.
Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or that one laundry chair. You know the one.
These lil steps can be the difference between a warm house and trying to book an emergency appointment along with a thousand other frozen homeowners.
Final Thoughts From Your HVAC System
For out TL;DR crew… it’s just:
Reasonable expectations.
Clean airflow.
A little heads-up before being asked to save the day.
Winter is coming, but with a little prep, you’ll stay warm, comfortable, and stress-free while everyone else scrambles for space heaters.
Stay warm out there, friendo.
As we always say,
we’ve got you covered!
#HASYourBack #HASYouCovered
