Fall means back-to-school (and back-to-work) season. But falling leaves and cooler temperatures are just two of the benefits of this season. With the change in weather comes a change in your heating and air conditioning needs—your HVAC unit will need some extra TLC before you start turning it on daily. Remember these tips as you get ready for fall:
Inspect Ductwork
Inspect for damage. Look for dents or punctures that could allow air to escape your system without being filtered by the filter or making its way into your home through the AC unit itself.
Cleanliness is essential to ensure that dust, dirt, and other debris are not circulating throughout your home as you try to cool it down this fall! If you have a dirty duct system, then cleaning should be something you consider doing in addition to any repairs needed annually.
Obstructions can restrict airflow and cause problems with efficiency, so make sure there aren't any objects blocking vents or air returns in the house before turning on your HVAC system! This includes furniture being pushed up against walls near vents which might block them from working correctly later on down the road even though they looked fine when installed originally. Sometimes furniture moves around over time due to wear-and-tear from everyday use.
Spot Leaks
Leaky vents are a common problem in HVAC units. When this happens, your system cannot cool the air efficiently, and you may be wasting energy. It's essential to know what to look for to fix it quickly.
If you notice condensation on windows or walls around your home —or if rooms feel colder than others even though they're set at the same temperature—then there's likely an issue with one of your ducts. With leaks in your ducts, you will need professional repair to avoid potentially damaging your system with DIY solutions.
Service Your HVAC Unit
How often should you service your HVAC unit? Every year, whether or not it's in use. It’s especially important to have your heating and cooling systems serviced if you live in a seasonal climate where you may only be using them for part of the year.
What is the best time of year to service your HVAC unit? Fall is generally considered the best time for servicing because it gives technicians time to make repairs before cold weather sets in. Although quite frankly, the sooner the better if you have some HVAC issues.
Clean Your HVAC system
It's essential to keep the area around your HVAC system clean. This can help improve your HVAC system's efficiency and prevent any potential damage. The area around your HVAC system can get dirty quickly, mainly if it's located near a major road or in a neighborhood with lots of kids running around.
One of the easiest things you can do to ensure your HVAC unit is running efficiently is to clean the condenser and evaporator coils. Cleaning them will help prevent dirt buildup and keep your system working correctly throughout the year. Make sure to properly dry any panels and components before powering your system on after a clean.
Replace Air filters
Air filters are a good investment to ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently. It’s important to remember that filters need to be replaced regularly—anywhere from every month or two depending on what kind you buy—and it's recommended that you use MERV 11+, 12+ or 13+ for homes with pets (or those who suffer from allergies). However, other factors like humidity levels where you live and how long your system has been installed will affect how often replacements should occur, so keep track of when it was installed along with keeping tabs on how much time has passed since the last replacement as well!
Air Quality Tip
Humidifiers can also be a great tool for controlling indoor air quality. In the winter, we tend to run our heating systems more often than in other seasons so that our homes are warm enough to live in. This means that the air in our homes is generally drier than normal and can cause problems like dry eyes and skin, static electricity, and increased incidence of allergies.
Humidifiers help combat these issues by adding water vapor into the air so that your home feels more comfortable, regardless of whether or not you're using your furnace or air conditioner. Improving your air quality with a humidifier is a small step to helping your HVAC system run at peak efficiency.
At Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Electric we we are here for you when you call us today at (334) 231-6980