Now that summer has ended and fall has begun, temperatures are going to begin steadily dropping. To keep comfortable, you’re going to start depending on your heating system in order to keep your household warm and safe. This means that you will want to get your HVAC system ready since you will be relying on it more and more as it gets colder and colder. The following are a number of tips to help prepare your HVAC system for the autumn season:
- Change your air filters – If you were using your air conditioner throughout summer, then make sure that you check your air filters to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. There’s a good chance that a significant amount of dust and other contaminants have built up if it’s been a few months since you checked them.
- Have your duct system inspected – Have your duct system inspected to see if there are any leaks that need to be replaced or insulation that needs to be changed. If you haven’t insulated your ducts, you may want to do so. This will prevent heat from being lost as it’s transferred through your house.
- Have your heating system inspected – Odds are you haven’t used your heating system for a while. Schedule an inspection to make sure everything is in working order so that you’re ready to heat your home effectively and efficiently when temperatures drop. During an inspection, the technician will not only address any issues that are found, but components will be cleaned and lubricated as needed.
- Open all your vents – If you had any of your vents closed during the summer, then go through your home and make sure that they are all opened. This will ensure that heat is properly distributed throughout your house. Blocking the airflow will also reduce the efficiency at which your HVAC system is able to work.
- Inspect your home for air leaks – Heating your home during the fall and winter months can get expensive, especially if there are air leaks. Air leaks will result in heat being lost and cold air coming in from outside. This, in turn, will force your heating system to work longer and harder to replace lost heat. Go around the exterior of your home with a lit stick of incense. If the smoke pulls towards the windows, it means that they are leaking air. You can use caulking to help plug up air leaks.
- Test your thermostat – Test your thermostat out to make sure that it’s working properly. If you raise the heat and your home doesn’t get warm within a short period of time, then there may be something wrong with your thermostat or with your heating system.
- Clear the area around your HVAC units – Make sure the space around your HVAC units is clear. If there’s clutter surrounding it, it will restrict the airflow. You should check your outdoor unit as well to make sure plants haven’t grown too close.
- Inspect your safety devices – Heating systems produce carbon monoxide and heat. If they aren’t operating properly, they could produce poisonous levels of carbon monoxide or lead to a fire. It’s why your home should have carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Test all of your alarms to make sure they’re working properly and replace old batteries with fresh ones.
Need HVAC Services This Fall? Call Unique Air Heating & Air Conditioning!
Be sure to follow these tips in order to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the autumn season. For information about our HVAC services or to schedule an appointment today, be sure to contact us at Unique Air Heating & Air Conditioning today.