Fall is setting in, and probably you are getting the warm clothes out in preparation for the cold months. Your wardrobe is not the only thing that you need to prepare; the house also requires maintenance to keep you and your family warm and comfortable in the coming months. One of the vital components in your home that you need to prepare this fall is the HVAC. Performing routine maintenance checkups on this system is vital for it to last the entirety of the season without any large issues. In this article, some of these checks should only be handled by professional installers. Read more to learn about maintenance tasks that prevent HVAC issues.
Clean debris away from the outdoor units
In fall, when the growth of plants and shrubs has slowed down, you can take this chance to trim the overgrown branches around and above the outdoor HVAC units. You can also sweep out leaves and other debris that tend to collect in the system and sometimes even penetrate inside it. Ensure there is no unwanted obstruction inside the unit that would block proper airflow.
Clean or replace air filters
Your air filters work during the summer to trap dust and particles so that the air in your home was clean. Now it’s time to clean or replace them so that your unit can continuously supply clean air and proper airflow. Dirty filters may cause your system to overwork and consume too much energy.
Seal of potential leaks
Take time to check for leaks in your home, open 
places, and other hidden areas. Your home loses precious energy through these leaks and loses heat when you need it most. Inspect your house for cracks and openings and seal them with insulation and caulking to avoid such losses.
Check electrical connections
Before you start inspecting electrical lines, ensure you turn off the power supply. Your unit’s electrical lines may have become loose or worn out over the past months, and that can cause a lack of power in the system or accidental fire outbreaks.
Check the electrical system and replace any loose cords and surge protectors before turning your heating system on again. You can get an expert electrician to ensure the system has excellent maintenance.
Inspect the condition of belts and pulleys
Your HVAC belts and pulleys wear down when they work harder during extreme temperatures. Loose belts and pulleys decrease airflow into your home, and the worn-out belts can snap when your HVAC commences operation, which can cause significant damage to your unit. Inspecting your belts and pulleys for signs of wear and tear can enable you to prevent substantial harm to your HVAC.
Check for gas leakages
If your furnace has a crack, fuel does not completely burn. This fault can lead to the release of poisonous gas into your home and loss of energy. Carbon monoxide sensors in the home should alert you of any gas leakages. You can also inspect the gas lines with an HVAC technician and seal any openings.
Clean the ducts and vents
Even with a clean air filter, dirty ducts and vents will prevent proper airflow in the home. Besides, rodents and insects tend to crawl into these spaces and cause a blockage. Unclean ducts could cause house occupants to experience Sick Building Syndrome. Clear dust, debris, and any growth of biological contaminants from your air vents and ducts to avoid exposing your family to contaminated air.
Contact Hammock’s AC
If you have any questions involving 7 fall maintenance tasks that prevent HVAC Issues, call Hammock’s AC to speak with one of our seasoned technicians. We can inform, inspect, or repair any cooling or heating system in most cases quickly. To find out more, please contact us to see what your HVAC may need.
