As the long, carefree days of summer give way to crisp autumn nights, it’s time to help your HVAC system make the switch from cooling to heating. With a little effort, your HVAC unit will be raring to go when chilly temperatures set in. Check out our best fall HVAC maintenance tips below.
Air Filter Replacement
If your HVAC system seems like it’s buckling under the pressure of your heating and cooling demands, it’s probably time for a new air filter. Dirty air filters can make your unit work twice as hard as it should to keep your home comfy.
Pull out your air filter and you’ll likely marvel at the filth it has accumulated. If yours is covered in debris, switch it for a new one to easily improve air quality. On average, air filters need to be replaced every three to six months.
Clean Your Air Vents
You probably don’t do a ductwork inspection often, so you might be in for an unpleasant surprise when you finally peek inside. Your vents could be full of cobwebs, dust balls, pet hair, and other nasty debris.
When your HVAC system kicks on, that debris ends up in your home’s air. Yuck! Plus, your system has to work harder because of the poor airflow. Do your system a favor and clean the vents before fall transitions into winter.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
If your HVAC system performance isn’t up to snuff, your thermostat might need tweaking. Programmable thermostats are perfect for keeping your indoor climate’s temperature in check.
You can set a programmable thermostat to switch the system on only when you’re home. That means your heater won’t work as hard, and you’ll be thrilled with the energy savings, too.
Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
It’s tempting to skimp on yard work when the weather turns foul, but if you care about your HVAC system’s lifespan, this is one temptation you ought to resist. Leaves pile up quickly around the outdoor unit in the fall, as do grass clippings and weeds. This debris can block airflow and cause the unit to grind to a halt.
You can move debris away from the outdoor unit by hand, or use a leaf blower to make the task easier. If there’s dirt on the unit, gently rinse it off with a hose.
Add Weatherstripping to Windows
Touch your windows on a cold day and you’ll likely feel icy air seeping inside. When your heater detects the temperature drop, it kicks on and may run constantly in a futile effort to keep your home warm.
Weatherstripping is a must for HVAC efficiency, especially if you have single-pane windows. It’ll block that chilly air from infiltrating your home so your furnace doesn’t have to work quite so hard.
Schedule Fall HVAC Maintenance
Fall is the perfect time to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up. Our pros will change your air filter, inspect every part of your furnace, and ensure that your HVAC system is running like a champ before temperatures plummet.
Want more fall HVAC maintenance tips? Call Kahn Air Conditioning at (818) 886-2600 today.
