Before cold weather settles in, your HVAC system deserves a little attention. After months of cooling your home, switching to heat can reveal problems that went unnoticed during the summer. 

Preparing your HVAC system for winter can help you catch potential issues early, maintain consistent comfort and make sure your heating system is ready when temperatures drop. From checking your air filter to scheduling professional maintenance, a few simple steps can make a big difference. 

Here’s what homeowners should check before heating season begins. 

How Do You Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter? 

Preparing your HVAC system for winter starts with checking the parts of your heating and cooling system that affect airflow, performance and comfort. Before you rely on your heat every day, inspect your filter and vents, test your heating system, check your thermostat and look for areas where your home may be losing heat. 

For a more thorough inspection, an HVAC professional can identify maintenance needs or potential problems before the coldest weather arrives.

1. Check and Replace Your HVAC Air Filter

Your HVAC system relies on proper airflow to heat your home effectively. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict that airflow and make it more difficult for the system to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. 

Check your filter before the start of heating season and replace it if needed. How frequently a filter should be replaced depends on the type of filter, your HVAC equipment, household conditions and system usage, so follow the recommendations for your specific system. 

If you have pets, allergies or have recently completed construction or renovation work, you may need to check your filter more frequently. 

2. Clean Around Vents, Registers and Outlets

Take a walk through your home and make sure your HVAC vents, registers or outlets are not blocked by furniture, rugs, curtains or other objects. 

Dust and debris can also collect around air outlets and return-air grilles over time. Cleaning these areas helps keep them clear and gives you an opportunity to spot anything unusual before heating season begins. 

Avoid making changes to dampers, outlets or system airflow unless recommended by your HVAC professional. HVAC systems are designed around specific airflow requirements, and unnecessary adjustments can affect system performance. 

3. Test Your Heating System Before You Need It

Don’t wait for the first freezing night to find out your heat isn’t working. 

Turn your heating system on early in the season and allow it to operate long enough to confirm that warm air is reaching the home. Pay attention to how the system starts, sounds and performs. 

Contact an HVAC professional if you notice: 

• Unusual noises or odors 

• Rooms that aren’t reaching the desired temperature 

• Frequent cycling 

• Weak or inconsistent airflow 

• A system that doesn’t turn on 

• Unexpected changes in performance 

Finding a problem during mild fall weather gives you time to address it before your heating system is working its hardest. 

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4. Check Your Thermostat Settings

As you transition from cooling to heating, make sure your thermostat is set correctly and responding as expected. 

If you use a programmable or smart thermostat, review your schedule for the new season. Your fall and winter routine may be different from your summer schedule, so update temperature settings based on when your household is home, away or sleeping. 

If the thermostat uses replaceable batteries, fall is also a convenient time to check them. 

5. Look for Air Leaks Around Your Home

Your HVAC equipment is only part of the equation when it comes to winter comfort. Your home’s building envelope also affects how easily it maintains the temperature you want. 

Check around windows, exterior doors and other common problem areas for noticeable drafts or gaps. Sealing appropriate air leaks and maintaining adequate insulation can help reduce unwanted heat loss. 

This is particularly important in older homes, where aging windows, doors and building materials may make maintaining consistent temperatures more challenging. 

6. Inspect Outdoor HVAC Equipment

If your heating and cooling system includes outdoor equipment, such as a heat pump, make sure the area surrounding the unit is clear. 

Remove leaves, branches and other debris that have collected nearby, and continue checking the area throughout fall and winter. Outdoor equipment needs adequate clearance and airflow to operate as intended. 

Avoid opening, disassembling or attempting to service HVAC equipment yourself. Internal maintenance and repairs should be performed by a qualified HVAC professional. 

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7. Schedule Preventive HVAC Maintenance

Even if everything appears to be operating normally, fall is a good time to have your heating system professionally inspected. 

An HVAC technician can evaluate the equipment, check system operation and identify maintenance or repair needs that may not be obvious to a homeowner. The exact maintenance required will depend on the type of heating equipment in your home. 

Preventive maintenance also gives you an opportunity to ask questions about your system’s operation, maintenance schedule and expected performance before winter begins. 

Why Is Fall HVAC Maintenance Important? 

Fall HVAC maintenance helps prepare your system for the increased demand of heating season. It can also uncover potential problems before they turn into a loss of heat on a cold day. 

A well-maintained system can contribute to: 

• More reliable heating 

• Consistent temperatures throughout the home 

• Proper airflow 

• Better overall system performance 

• Fewer unexpected heating problems 

Your home’s HVAC system works throughout the year. Giving it attention between cooling and heating seasons can help make that transition easier. 

Does Your HVAC System Need to Be Replaced Before Winter? 

Not necessarily. A maintenance issue doesn’t automatically mean you need a new HVAC system. 

However, if your existing system requires frequent repairs, struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures or no longer meets the needs of your home, it may be worth discussing replacement options with an HVAC professional. 

For older homes and properties where conventional ductwork is difficult to install, a small-duct high-velocity HVAC system can provide another option for whole-home heating and cooling. 

How Can The Unico System Provide Comfortable Heating? 

The Unico System is a small-duct high-velocity (SDHV) heating and cooling system designed to deliver even, draft-free comfort using compact equipment and flexible small ducts. 

Unlike conventional HVAC systems that require large ductwork, The Unico System uses significantly smaller supply tubing that can be routed through walls, floors, ceilings, attics and other tight spaces. This makes it particularly well suited for older and historic homes, renovations, additions and custom homes where preserving the home’s architecture is important. 

The system can also be paired with multiple heating options, including compatible heat pumps, hot water from a boiler or water-to-water heat pump, and electric heat. 

The Unico System’s small-duct design can also help reduce energy lost through ductwork. Its ductwork has approximately one-third the surface area of conventional ductwork, while insulated supply tubing and an outer vapor barrier help limit thermal loss.

The post How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Winter: 7 Essential Steps appeared first on The Unico System.

In this final installment of our HVAC replacement series, we’re going to focus on small-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) systems. The Unico System is the leader in this HVAC technology. However, the SDHV system is a newer technology in the HVAC industry and knowing when a unit needs to be replaced isn’t always easy.

The Unico System is here to help. Let’s get into more detail about how to tell when it’s time to swap out an SDHV system and what options you should consider replacing it with.

When is it Time to Replace an SDHV HVAC System?

SDHV systems are known to have smaller outlets that are less noisy than traditional HVAC systems. With many traditional units, hearing the fan or motor straining to operate is a textbook sign that the system needs to be replaced. With SDHV systems, the replacement signs are often more subtle. You’ll want to be on the lookout for:

• A Decline in Energy Efficiency: Small-duct, high-velocity HVAC systems have tight joints and insulated tubing for increased energy efficiency. If you notice that your home’s heating and cooling bill has increased, it could be a sign that the HVAC unit needs to be replaced. SDHV systems at the end of their life cycle are more likely to lose air velocity, making the whole unit work harder to keep rooms at an even temperature.
• The Age of Your HVAC System: Even though SDHV units are efficient and provide optimal comfort, no system can last forever. Core elements of these systems, like the heat pump, blower coil and air handler, all have shelf lives. Many of the key components have estimated life spans provided by the manufacturer. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to pay close attention to how it’s operating.
• Longer Heating and Cooling Cycles: SDHV units don’t just dump air into rooms like traditional HVAC systems. The SDHV system has fairly uniform heating and cooling cycles. If you notice that these cycles have gotten longer, it’s a sign that the system isn’t running as efficiently—that the unit is struggling to keep up with the temperature set by the thermostat. If this issue persists, call a professional to inspect the system and see if you might need to replace it.

Why The Unico System is the Best Replacement Option for Small-Duct, High-Velocity HVAC Systems

Once you have the comfort and efficiency that a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC system provides, it’s hard to go back. Luckily, you won’t have that problem when choosing The Unico System as your HVAC solution. To create a draft-free environment with even temperatures, The Unico System takes advantage of a process called aspiration. The small, high-velocity ducts placed throughout each room create a gentle suction that draws air into their streams. You can expect a temperature differential no more than 2 degrees from what the thermostat is set to.

Unlike some other small-duct, high-velocity HVAC systems, Unico has a wide selection of outlet choices designed to match any décor. Unico outlets can also be painted or stained to perfectly match the interior design. Plus, the small outlets are less invasive and can be installed in ceilings, sidewalls and floors so that they’re hardly even noticeable.

Get Free Designs Services with The Unico System

When you’re replacing an existing SDHV system, Unico is here to do the hard part. When you submit plans to our Design Services team, they’ll figure out the best system configuration for your home and provide an estimated materials list. When it comes to indoor comfort, there’s no better HVAC option than The Unico System. Contact our Design Services team today to get started.

The post HVAC Replacement Series Part 3: Your Guide to Replacing a SDHV HVAC System appeared first on The Unico System.

Are you ready to learn about how to keep your duct system running in good shape? In this blog, we will look at five essential tips to help you with air duct maintenance.

1. Make Sure Duct Leaks Are Sealed
Did you know that air leaking through ducts is one of the top causes of wasted energy in homes? Over time, the joints in many air ducts can become loose or get damaged, which causes air to leak out. Every leak in your ductwork makes it harder for your home’s HVAC unit to do its job. Plus, leaking air ducts can increase your monthly energy bills, cause more temperature variation, and lead to air quality issues.

How do you make sure your air ducts are sealed? It’s recommended to get a professional HVAC technician to perform an inspection at least once a year. They’ll be able to test for air leaks and even run a camera through your ducts to check for any damage or issues.

2. Keep the Vents and Ducts Clear
If you’ve noticed that certain rooms in your house are at a different temperature, this duct maintenance tip can help. Take a close look at all the vents and/or ducts around your house. Are there any obstructions like a piece of furniture, a floor rug or décor that’s blocking the flow of air? If part of the duct is blocked, it’s putting an added strain on the blower fan within the HVAC system. This not only causes the system to be less efficient, but it increases the risk of the blower within the unit having a shorter lifespan.

The easiest fix is to move any obstruction away from the duct so that the air can flow more freely. This will sometimes require rearranging furniture and décor, but it’s worth it for the efficiency of your HVAC unit.

3. Clean Your Home’s Ducts to Get Rid of Debris
Duct maintenance plays a direct role in the indoor air quality of your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air. One of the main causes behind this statistic is that dust and debris often accumulate in air ducts. High levels of dust, mold, and mildew often cause damage to air ducts over time and negatively impact indoor air quality.

At least once a year, you’ll want to schedule an air duct cleaning. Professional HVAC technicians use specialized equipment that uses negative pressure to break up dust and debris so it can then be cleaned up with a powerful vacuum.

4. Wash or Replace the Air Duct Vent Covers
Whether you have your air ducts cleaned by a professional or tackle it yourself, check the vent covers. Oftentimes vent covers need to be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. One of the easiest ways to clean your vent covers is to wash them. Unscrew the vent cover and let it soak in a soapy solution. Then, take a microfiber cloth and scrub off any dust or debris. The process of cleaning your vent covers regularly will improve the indoor air quality of your home.

5. Replace Your Air Filter
Even after the air ducts inside your home are cleaned, you won’t get the full benefit unless you’re keeping up with changing the air filter. A great tip is to also make sure that you’re using the most efficient filter for the specific HVAC system in your home. One of the easiest ways to check is to look at the model number on your system. The manufacturer will have a recommended filter that works best with the system. HVAC experts also say that you should replace the air filter for your system once a month for the best performance.

Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality with The Unico System

The Unico System can keep your home comfortable, is more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems, and improves indoor air quality. It’s a small-duct, high-velocity system that has the most effective air distribution of any HVAC system. Plus, the system can be upgraded to use UV light to disinfect the air entering your home.

Find out how The Unico System can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Contact our Design Services team for a free system design layout today.

The post 5 Tips to Help You with Duct Maintenance appeared first on The Unico System.

Join the experts at Unico as we share four tips for protecting your HVAC system from storm damage.

1. Keep Your HVAC Unit Secured

• Strong winds and even flash floods have the potential to remove an outdoor HVAC unit from its mounting plate or base. If a severe storm is forecasted for your area, go out and make sure the mounts on the unit are undamaged and properly tightened. For added protection against storms, you can use tie-down straps to create a stronger anchor.
• If your HVAC unit has moved, carefully move it back into place and inspect your supply lines for kinks, leaks or any other damage that may have occurred.
• High-speed winds will often pick up debris and throw it against your HVAC unit. The dirt, dust and debris can even penetrate the exterior of the system and damage the coils, fan and electronics inside. To help prevent this, wrap your HVAC unit with a weatherproof tarp. The key is ensuring that all sides are covered, and the tarp is secured with the right amount of tension.
• In areas where you may be expecting winter storms, it’s wise to secure a tarp around your unit to keep ice, snow and critters from damaging your system.

2. Elevate Your HVAC Unit

• Severe storms like hurricanes often open the possibility of flooding. To guard against this, you’ll first want to determine what the flood line is in your local area. Then, plan on installing your HVAC unit so that it sits above that line. By raising up the entire system, you’ll help prevent water damage in the event of flooding.
• It’s also important to note that you should reach out to a professional before moving an HVAC unit on your own. Even though lifting it a few inches seems easy, you run the risk of core components like the refrigerant lines being damaged.

3. Turn Off Your HVAC Unit

• It’s common during severe storms for nearby power transformers to short-circuit from lighting strikes or high-speed winds. Electrical surges have the potential to damage the internal electronics of an HVAC unit. When there’s a storm expected in your area, turn off your HVAC system. In the event of a power outage, it’s a good rule of thumb to wait until the other appliances in your home have regained power before turning the HVAC unit back on.
• If you’re interested in more security against power surges, you can ask an electrician to install a surge protector on your home’s main circuit breaker box. This will help ensure that any power surges that happen are weaker, lowering the risk of damage caused to the HVAC unit.

4. Clear Your Yard Ahead of a Storm

• When a severe storm is going to hit your local area, you want the yard to be empty. Every branch, stick, toy and piece of furniture has the potential to be turned into a projectile. In severe winds, all these items can be thrown into your HVAC unit and home, causing damage. Before a storm hits, go out into your yard and clear out anything on the ground.
• If larger items like furniture are difficult to move, you can secure them on the ground or a nearby tree instead.

Let Us Help Your HVAC Unit Run Smoothly
Whether it’s protecting an HVAC unit from a storm or finding the optimal comfort level for your home, the design services team at Unico is here to help. If you have an upcoming home project that needs design assistance, Unico is ready to share its expertise. Let us do the hard part when it comes to the HVAC system design layout. Get in touch with Unico’s Design Services today!

The post Four Tips for Protecting Your HVAC Unit from Storm Damage appeared first on The Unico System.