Summer is almost over and that means it’s time for a Fall HVAC Maintenance.
Nothing is worse than having to cope with a broken heating system during a chilly Autumn week. You can save yourself some hassle and ensure a warm, trouble-free home climate by being proactive with your HVAC maintenance.
We put together a complete checklist for you!
Replace your Furnace Filter + AC Filters
The replacement of your air filters is one of the most crucial steps in HVAC maintenance. Your HVAC system will work harder and use more energy as a result of having dirty filters, which will also increase your energy costs.
Consider changing your old air filters with high-efficiency pleated ones to get the most use out of them. The pleats of many more recent filters feature electrostatic charges that trap particles, making them far more efficient at keeping dust, pollen, and other pollutants from passing through.
Clear Debris Near Your Outdoor Unit
It’s important to keep any exterior HVAC equipment clean of debris, especially considering that leaves, dirt, sticks, and other debris are a more common problem in the Fall.
If you’re using your AC or Heat Pump, then it’s good to clean the unit off once a week or so during these months.
Try to leave a two-foot clearance area around your outside unit. However if you’re not using your AC or you do not have a heat pump…then it does not matter!
Do not leave any food or water for pets near your system as that can lead to problems as well. We’ve seen pets pee on condenser units and ruin them.
Clean Your Ducts and Vents
Once more, keeping your HVAC entire system clean will help you maintain its efficiency and keep it operational.
Check your ducts for leaks, cracks or other issues. Duct’s can also pile up debris and get quite dirty which can interfere with the efficiency of your system. Need someone to check out your ducts? Call Dave’s and we’ll get you sorted out.
In the fall and winter, when you are utilizing your heating system the most, it is also a good idea to wipe down your vents as part of your normal cleaning regimen.
Store Flammable Items Safely
It may seem apparent, but every year before you turn on the heat, it’s crucial to remove everything flammable from around your heating system. Your combustible home supply storage area should ideally be located far from any heating appliances, such as furnaces, stoves, ovens, and chimneys.
Change Your Humidifiers Water Panel
The water panel in your humidifier has to be replaced at least once per season, particularly during the winter months. Change the water panel on your humidifier at the start of autumn for optimum performance and to ensure that it is ready to use when you need it.
Rooftop HVAC Units + Vents
If your outdoor unit is on your roof, take the time to clear away any fallen leaves or other debris from any vents or HVAC equipment. Your HVAC system will work much more efficiently after doing this one step.
Home Insulation Issues
Have you seen eerily high energy costs, frigid breezes, or varying temps around your house? These indicate that your insulation may need to be improved. In order to maintain your home’s comfort throughout the coldest months with the least amount of energy waste, it is important to take care of any insulation concerns in the autumn.
If you are currently installing insulation, think about upgrading while you’re at it to more effective materials. Keep in mind that your home’s old insulation can also be replaced by newer, more effective insulation materials. Be sure to seal cracks around windows, doors and the envelope of your house. Air sealing is more important than insulating.
Outside Vents and Chimneys
This is crucial for all vents, chimneys, and flues, not just the HVAC vents in your home. The National Fire Protection Association claims that failing to maintain equipment, particularly chimneys, is the primary factor in the 52,000 home fires that are caused by heating each year. That’s why it’s important to add this to your Fall HVAC Maintenance checklist!
Check Your Furnace for Unusual Noises
Strange noises may indicate a problem with your heating system. These sounds are frequently brought on by blocked registers or loose furnace bolts. Sometimes you can figure out the issue on your own, but if you can’t locate the cause, you should see an HVAC expert.
Even though it may be early in the season and you might be hesitant to turn on the heat, it’s preferable to check for HVAC issues now rather than discovering one later and freezing through the cold while you wait for a repair.
Boiler Maintenance
Boilers are a must for any Fall HVAC maintenance checklist if you have one in your home. Sometimes, boilers leak because of corrosion, pressure problems, poor installation, faulty seals, or aging. Call an HVAC expert right away for servicing if you see any water coming from your boiler. Disabling the boiler’s water and electricity supplies is a good idea while you wait for a professional to arrive in order to stop more damage and leaks.
Thermostat Maintenance
Problems with temperature control can occasionally be brought on by a broken thermostat. Most smart thermostats may be tested by conducting a system test according to the instructions that came with your purchase.
As you gradually raise the temperature on a typical thermostat from off to a higher setting, ask a family member or friend to stand by the furnace. Both the furnace and the thermostat should make noise. If your thermostat doesn’t make any noise, you might need to change the batteries, clean the interior, or call a repairman that specializes in HVAC systems. If just the furnace is silent, there is probably a furnace problem.
Call an Dave’s or an HVAC Company
To keep the unit’s warranty valid, many HVAC systems require yearly preventative maintenance. It’s a good idea to get a skilled technician each year to check for faults, tighten any loose bolts, perform a combustion efficiency test, and handle any other difficulties you might be experiencing, even if the manufacturer does not mandate maintenance. Many HVAC technicians, especially here at Dave’s, are trained to spot small problems before they become much larger problems.
Call Dave’s Cooling and Heating if you require HVAC Maintenance in Frederick County this Fall.
