Is Your Arizona Home Ready for Snowbird Season? Comfort and HVAC Tips Inside!

As temperatures start to drop, snowbirds are preparing to migrate to their warm Arizona winter homes. However, after leaving your house empty for months on end, it’s important to make sure everything is in perfect shape – especially your heating and cooling system.

Because returning to a broken-down HVAC or other issues can be a headache, here are some tips to make sure your Arizona home is ready for you to enjoy!

Maintenance to Perform Before Arriving Home

After several months away, your home will need some attention before you settle in. Scheduling a maintenance visit from an HVAC company should be at the top of your checklist, making sure you return to a comfortable, well-functioning home.

Here’s what to prioritize:

• Inspect and Test the Heating System: With chilly AZ nights in mind, your technician should thoroughly check your heating system to confirm it’s operating safely.
• Replace Air Filters: A simple but critical task, a fresh filter will both improve indoor air quality and allow your HVAC system to run as it should.
• Perform a Full-System Inspection: Professional technicians can detect wear and tear, find potential leaks, and identify minor problems before they escalate.
• Run a Preventative Diagnostic Test: Running a diagnostic helps pinpoint any hidden issues within your system, avoiding unexpected breakdowns.
• Clean and Check Outdoor Units: Make sure that leaves, debris and/or dirt buildup aren’t blocking airflow.

If you missed your usual long-term vacation prep, it’s not too late! A local HVAC team can handle any surprises and ensure your system is ready to keep you cozy and comfortable.

Home Checks & Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve welcomed yourself home, you’ll want to take a few steps yourself to make sure everything is in its best condition! A few things we recommend you do are:

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replacing the batteries after a long absence provides peace of mind and keeps your home safe.
• Flush your water heater to clear out any buildup that might have accumulated while you were away.
• Check for and seal leaks around windows and doors to keep outdoor pollutants out. Tiny gaps not only affect your indoor air quality but can also make your HVAC work harder than it has to.
• Open your windows for fresh air breaks. Even just a few minutes of fresh air each day can help circulate stale air out and bring in oxygen-rich, clean air.
• Run a humidifier regularly to combat the dry Scottsdale air. Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% helps protect your skin and sinuses.
• Inspect your plumbing system for signs of leaks or damage. Even in Arizona’s mild winters, unexpected cold snaps can put stress on your pipes, so make sure they’re well-insulated and secure.
• Use an air purifier to help filter out common allergens like dust and pet dander.

HVAC Upgrades to Consider

When you spend part of the year away from your Arizona home, making sure your HVAC system is reliable is key. Even if the winters are mild, your system needs to be in top shape to handle your comfort needs.

If your system has shown signs of age or wear, consider upgrading to a newer model designed to handle Arizona’s demands.

Adding a smart thermostat can also give you more control over your home’s temperature, allowing you to prepare the house for your return or make changes while you’re away.

Lastly, if indoor air is a concern, think about upgrading your home’s ventilation. This helps keep dust and allergens under control, especially after a long period when the home is unoccupied.

HVAC Maintenance Tips and System Features To Consider for Snowbirds

It’s important to perform preventative maintenance on the HVAC system to make an Arizona home ready for snowbirds. When an HVAC system sits unused for several months, a maintenance inspection guarantees the system is ready to go when you arrive in Arizona.

If your heating or cooling system performed unevenly during the previous year, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Newer systems will provide far better energy-efficiency features than systems installed several years ago.

Trust Forbes Refrigeration & HVAC to Keep Your Arizona Home Ready

At Forbes, we understand that your home is a place where you expect comfort, reliability and peace of mind. That’s why we offer comprehensive HVCA maintenance services tailored to your needs.

Let our team prepare your Arizona home for the snowbird season so you can relax and enjoy your winter retreat. Call or text us today at (480) 266-5211 to schedule service!