With the seasons changing and fall now among us, pretty soon you’ll be changing the thermostat from cool to heat. To keep you comfortable for the coming winter, it’s a great time to make a to-do list to get you prepared. It’s important to make sure your HVAC system is working in top condition so you won’t have to worry about any issues that can come up.
1. Landscape Around HVAC Unit
With the winds picking up around the fall season, debris and leaves will surround your outdoor HVAC unit. They can easily get caught in the unit and cause issues like reducing the airflow of the unit and clogging the condenser coils. This can invite mold and bacteria growth inside the unit and lead to mold infestation in the air ducts. Clearing the debris around the unit and trimming any shrubs around it will ensure the HVAC unit will work in top condition.
2. Change Air Filters
Sometimes homeowners forget to change their air filters and a whole year has passed since you last replaced them. Having dirty filters can cause many issues like, poor indoor air quality, high energy bills, and your HVAC system working less efficiently. A good rule of thumb is replacing your filter every 90 days to ensure that you don’t have dirty filters. It’s a good time to replace them now before winter starts so your HVAC system can work more efficiently in keeping you warm.
3. Inspect Your Home For Any Drafts
Before the cold winter air comes, it’s a great time now to check if there’s any drafts coming into your home. Having outside cold air coming in can make you lose warm air and your HVAC system will be working harder in trying to keep the temperature you set. Inspect your doors, windows and any cracks for noticeable air loss. To cover them use weather strips, caulk or spray foam which will prevent any air leaks and keep the cold air out.
4. Thermostat Check
With the seasons changing from summer to fall, your thermostat settings also will need to change. If you happen to notice it’s taking a long time to heat your home, you’ll need your thermostat looked at. An HVAC technician can see if the problem is from your thermostat or possibly something else. Figuring out the issue now is important so you won’t have to deal with any problems during the cold winter. Investing in a smart thermostat can be a great choice for comfort and money-saving benefits.
5. Check for Dust and Debris
During fall with the leaves and winds kicking up the dust in the air, your outdoor HVAC unit can be covered with dust and debris. Being covered in dust and debris can block up the airflow and bring in the dirty air inside through the air vents. Washing it off with a hose can help clean it off and remove any blockages. Clearing the dust and debris will make sure your HVAC system is working efficiently without any buildup.
6. Professional Maintenance
One of the most important things to do to get you ready for winter is having HVAC maintenance done by a professional. A professional tech will perform a full maintenance check of your HVAC system to see if everything is working in order and fix any issues they find. Having maintenance done in the fall can ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently for the coming winter and not having to worry about any possible issues that can arise. Signing up for an HVAC maintenance program is a great way to have regular tune-ups for your system all year.
With fall here, now’s the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the coming winter and that it’s working efficiently. You’re able to do some things on your own, but at some point you’ll need a professional to come in and help. At Omni Air HVAC, our expert team has the skills and knowledge to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently to keep you and your family comfortable and safe. Call us now for a fall tune-up before the winter season hits!