Why Is It Important to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Upcoming Fall Season?
Before you know it, the fall season will be upon us, which means that your HVAC system will soon go from cooling your home to heating it. If you have a fairly new and well-maintained system, you most likely won’t have to do much to make the switch from cooling to heating. But there are still a number of things you should mull over to get ready for the autumn, whether your system is new or somewhat dated. Let’s go over a few of the more important ones.
Schedule a maintenance check-up
It’s easy to presume that your HVAC system will function just fine when it’s time to turn on your furnace. True, that may very well be the case if you have a somewhat new and reliable system, but you had better still schedule an HVAC maintenance check-up with an HVAC professional before the start of the heating season. This is best done toward the end of summer or the beginning of fall.
In fact, scheduling a maintenance check-up twice a year, prior to the heating season and then the cooling season, will help you get the maximum out of your system. If you haven’t done so, contact AC&R Services to schedule a visit for the beginning of the coming fall.
Change air filters
Your HVAC air filters should be changed every one to three months to sustain healthy air quality. One of the more common issues with heating systems is a clogged filter. When this level of protection fills up with debris, it will hinder airflow into your HVAC system. This quickly slashes efficiency and can lead to overheating that can eventually trip your circuit breaker.
The less costly fiberglass filters, which you can typically buy at grocery or home improvement stores, generally need to be swapped out every month. Cotton or polyester pleated filters may keep working for up to three months, depending on your household and HVAC use. For instance, if you have pets, respiratory health concerns or live with several family members, you really should replace your filters more frequently. At the very least, it’s a good idea to put in a new one at the beginning of a season to eliminate old pollutants from your air supply.
Check windows and insulation
You can stop drafts and leaking heat by checking your window and door seals. You may have to add fresh weather strips or caulking to block the warm air from being wasted. Also, remember that a well-insulated home is an energy-efficient home. Lackluster insulation will only make it more difficult for your heating system to keep your family comfortable.
Keep in mind, too, that consistent drafts, by and large, affect the bottom floor first. If needed, you might investigate energy-efficient thermal blinds or curtains. Probably the best way to uncover the cause of your energy waste is with a professional home inspection. Taking the necessary time to get your home prepared before winter is upon us will help make sure you don’t have to encounter unforeseen heating crises once the temperature plunges to freezing.
Think about a smart thermostat
It’s no secret. Heating your home in the winter can get pricy, which is why it’s a good idea to investigate installing a smart thermostat. These systems are engineered only to heat the home when it’s occupied. Obviously, setting the temperature lower when people are not in the house will help you save on heating costs. Smart thermostats can also be remotely programmed from a smartphone app, so that homeowners can realize another 10 percent savings or more on their energy bills. Check with the technicians at AC&R Services about smart thermostats.
Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise
Believe it or not, the angle of your ceiling fan blades plays a crucial role in either cooling or warming the living space where it’s located. A flat fan blade would not be very useful, so nearly all ceiling fan blades are at 12–15-degree angle. This way, when a ceiling fan spins clockwise, the fan blades will pull the warm air up and redistribute it, making you feel more comfortable.
When the winter weather ends, make sure to switch your fan setting back to counterclockwise. Doing so can help you feel up to 8 degrees cooler.
Winterize your AC unit
It’s a great idea to winterize your outdoor AC unit to guard against ice and freezing weather. Get rid of old debris from around and inside the unit, including twigs, gravel, nests, leaves and other rubbish that could damage the fragile fins or internal wiring. Next, remove any vegetation that’s adjacent to the unit and trim close by brush and tree branches as well.
If you’re overly concerned about your outdoor unit, you can cover it with a tarp for the winter, although this isn’t crucial. If you do cover the unit, however, do so when it’s completely dry. The last thing you want is to trap moisture in your unit for the fall and winter. This might well lead to unwelcome corrosion.
Test your heating
The best way to be certain your heating system is functioning properly is to test it a handful of times before you need it. In the early autumn, set the thermostat to your typical winter temperature and allow the system to finch a full cycle. This will demonstrate if the furnace or heat pump is discharging unpleasant odors or making odd noises. You’ll also be able to discover if it can still meet your family’s heating needs.
Fall is also a great time to find out if you need a replacement unit. If your system is more than 15 years old and takes longer than usual to reach your set temperature, it might just be time to look at a new unit. You can invest in a high efficiency HVAC system that will reduce your utility costs, boost your comfort level and enhance your property value.
Turn to AC&R Services for assistance
Whether you think your HVAC system needs a quick check-up or serious repairs before the fall, don’t hesitate to contact us at AC&R Services for assistance. Our staff specializes in AC and furnace installation, repair and maintenance and we’ll be happy to get your HVAC system in perfect working condition prior to the upcoming heating season.