Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter: An Arizona Homeowner’s Guide
Even though Phoenix, winters are mild compared to much of the country, temperatures can still drop low enough to make your home feel chilly—especially at night. The last thing you want is to discover your heating system isn’t working when you want it most.
That’s why HVAC system winter maintenance is so important. Preparing your system now helps ensure reliable comfort, improved efficiency, and peace of mind all season long. Desert Diamond Air recommends the following HVAC winter preparation:
- Start With an HVAC System Inspection and Safety Check
- Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up
- Change or Clean Your HVAC Air Filters
- Clear the Area Around Outdoor HVAC Units
- Test Your Heating System Before the First Cold Snap
- Check Thermostat Settings, Ductwork, and Air Vents
Steps to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter Use
Below is a comprehensive guide to getting your HVAC system—especially your heat pump—ready for winter in the desert climate of Phoenix.
Start With an HVAC System Inspection and Safety Check
Before the cooler weather arrives, give your HVAC system a once-over. Look for any visible issues such as damaged insulation on refrigerant lines, rust or corrosion on outdoor units, or debris that may have built up around your heat pump.
If you have a heat pump, it works year-round switching between cooling and heating modes. Over time, that wear and tear can affect performance. An early inspection helps you catch potential issues before they become costly repairs.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a Desert Diamond Air HVAC maintenance technician can perform a full safety inspection, ensuring all components are operating safely and efficiently. When you book early in fall, you can often take advantage of HVAC specials and discounts, like our limited-time $69.95 Tune-Up and Safety Inspection special!
Schedule a Professional Heating Tune-Up
The best way to ensure your system runs efficiently through the winter is with a professional HVAC maintenance tune-up. During this visit, a certified technician from Desert Diamond Air will:
- Inspect and clean coils, blower components, and condensate lines
- Check electrical connections and test system controls
- Verify thermostat operation and calibration
- Measure refrigerant levels and system pressure
- Lubricate moving parts for smooth performance
A tune-up not only improves comfort but also helps lower energy consumption and prevents mid-season breakdowns. Many Phoenix, homeowners schedule their tune-ups in early fall to beat the rush and take advantage of seasonal discounts—like our $69.95 Tune-Up and Safety Inspection special!
Change or Clean Your HVAC Air Filters
This simple task is one of the most important—and most overlooked—steps in heating system maintenance. Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. That extra strain leads to higher energy bills and can shorten the life of your unit.
Check your air filters at least once a month and replace them as needed. If you use reusable filters, give them a good cleaning before switching from cooling to heating mode. In Phoenix, where dust is common (especially during and post-monsoon season), filters may need more frequent attention.
Make filter replacement a breeze and shop HVAC filters online with us; you can even set it to auto delivery so you don’t forget to change it out!
Clear the Area Around Outdoor HVAC Units
Your outdoor heat pump unit needs adequate airflow to operate efficiently. Before winter sets in, clear away leaves, grass, and other debris from around the unit. Trim any plants or shrubs to allow at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
Since Phoenix, doesn’t see snow or ice buildup, your main concern is keeping dust and debris from clogging the coils or fans. A clean, unobstructed outdoor unit ensures optimal performance and helps your system switch smoothly from cooling to heating.
Test Your Heating System Before the First Cold Snap
Don’t wait until temperatures drop to discover your heating isn’t working. Turn your heat on at least once before the season starts. Let it run for a few minutes to make sure warm air is flowing through your vents.
It’s also common to notice a faint burning smell the first time you turn on the heat. This odor usually isn’t a cause for concern—it’s just dust that has settled on the heating elements during the summer months burning off. The smell should disappear quickly.
However, if the odor persists or you notice smoke, electrical burning, or unusual noises, turn off the system and contact a qualified HVAC professional from Desert Diamond Air immediately.
Check Thermostat Settings, Ductwork, and Air Vents
As temperatures begin to cool, adjust your thermostat from cooling to heating mode. Set it to a comfortable temperature—usually around 68 to 70 degrees for most Phoenix, homes.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, now’s a great time to update your schedule for winter. Optimizing your thermostat settings can save energy and reduce wear on your system over time.
Even if your HVAC system is in great shape, dirty or leaky ducts can cause heat loss and uneven temperatures throughout your home. Check vents to ensure they’re open and unobstructed. Consider having your ductwork professionally inspected or cleaned if it hasn’t been serviced in several years.
Why Choose Desert Diamond Air for Winter HVAC Maintenance?
When it comes to HVAC system winter maintenance, experience and reliability matter. Our team of skilled technicians provides thorough inspections, precision tune-ups, and honest recommendations tailored to the unique needs of Phoenix, homeowners.
- Family-owned and operated
- Better Business Bureau “A+” rating
- Trane Comfort Specialist
- Licensed dealer of Trane, Rheem, and Ameristar products
- Charitable initiatives and customer giveaways
- 24/7 emergency heating repair
We don’t just check boxes—we ensure your comfort system runs safely, efficiently, and dependably when you need it most. With our commitment to exceptional service, transparent pricing, and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to keep your home cozy all winter long.
Schedule Your $69.95 Tune-Up and Safety Inspection Today!
Don’t wait until the first cold night in Phoenix, to find out your heating system isn’t ready. Schedule your heating system maintenance today with Desert Diamond Air and take advantage of our limited-time $69.95 Tune-Up and Safety Inspection special. Our trusted technicians will make sure your system is clean, efficient, and ready for the season.
Call us at 602-638-3866 or request service online to book your appointment. Enjoy worry-free comfort all winter long—because your home deserves the best care, no matter the season.