The changing seasons always bring new items to the to-do list. One that tops the list as we move from cool to warm and back again is the upkeep of your heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This system does its work in a completely different way in the winter than it does in the summer. Making sure that it is ready for that switch twice a year is essential for keeping your home comfortable and staying within your utility budget. Here are four things to do to get your HVAC ready for fall.
Replace All Filters
Your system has filters in a number of locations. Some may be in floor registers, others in ceiling return vents, and still others that could be inside the air handler itself. Make sure you know exactly where all of these are.
Clean filters are key for energy efficiency, healthy air, and long life for the unit. If you aren’t sure where the filters are or what type to get, have a contractor help you out. Be sure that new filters are marked with their installation date so that you know when they need replacing the next time, but you should also be prepared to replace them as needed if home renovations or other particularly dusty activities may have contributed to a faster buildup of dust and dirt.
Clean Up Around Outdoor Units
The heat pump outside your home is the source of temperature control for the HVAC system. The system’s ability to operate efficiently depends on the free movement of air around, over, and under the outdoor unit. Make sure that shrubs and other vegetation haven’t moved toward the unit during the summer growing season. As fall arrives, clear away any leaves that accumulate nearby. If you see any debris inside the heat pump, have a contractor come check it out. The high voltage and fragile equipment involved making internal cleanups like this a job for professionals.
Examine Burners and Combustion Equipment
If you have an indoor furnace instead of a heat pump, you have different considerations for fall preparations. The combustion chambers, igniters, and burners should all be in good working order. If not, they may operate inefficiently, fail to light, or produce carbon monoxide gas, presenting a serious hazard to life and health. When the furnace comes on for the first time, make sure you see normal burning taking place with clean, blue flames and no gas smell. Again, if you aren’t sure, have a contractor examine the system.
Have the System Serviced
Probably the best move to get your HVAC system ready for fall is to have a contractor come service it. Letting qualified personnel give the system a good top-to-bottom inspection will make it possible for you to replace any malfunctioning, inefficient, or worn components before they fail–which always seems to happen on the coldest night of the year. The technician will also be able to clean the inside of the air handler, check your thermostat for performance, and recommend any upgrades or work that needs to be done. This is especially helpful if your system is still under warranty because it may give you the chance to replace problem parts before coverage runs out.
Your heating system is the most important factor in your family’s health, safety, and comfort during the winter. Completing a good review of it each fall will help you prevent unpleasant surprises as well as save you money on utilities and repairs. As the mercury starts to ease off in the fall, get your system ready for winter.
Contact Hammock’s AC
If you have any questions about how to get your HVAC system ready for fall, call Hammock’s AC to speak with one of our seasoned technicians. We can inform, inspect, or repair any cooling or heating system accurately. These are just a few examples of frequently how to get your HVAC system ready for fall. To find out more, please contact us to learn more about what to expect when replacing your HVAC.