Fall is officially here! Long days at the pool and weekend trips to the beach have come to a close and the kids are back to school. While fall activities like apple picking, carving pumpkins, and playing outside in the leaves are fun and exciting, there are a few things that you should be taking care of with your HVAC system as a homeowner.
Before you dive into all of the fall fun and bring out the cozy sweaters for the cooler weather, we’re sharing with you a few ways you can prepare your HVAC system for fall. We know how important it is to be comfortable in your home, no matter what time of year it is, so cross these tasks off your list as we transition into fall and we can guarantee a cozy and warm season!
Replace Air Filters
Have you checked your air filters in the last 30 days? Over time, your air filters will become clogged with dust and debris, which will cause your AC to overwork itself and eventually malfunction. If you or someone you live with suffers from allergies or asthma, it’s best to check your air filters every 30 days and replace them every 60 to 90 days. If your air filters go unreplaced, the dust and other debris they are filled with can spread throughout your home and will prevent your HVAC system from cooling or heating your home the way it should be. It’s fairly easy to replace your air filters. Simply slide the old one out and replace it with a clean one. Just make sure you’re choosing the correct size when buying the new filter!
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Throughout summer, leaves and other summer foliage probably accumulated around your outdoor unit. It’s important to clear this area and keep it clean so that dirt, leaves, and other debris don't get caught in the unit’s coils and cause your unit to malfunction. It’s no surprise that throughout the fall season, there are an abundance of leaves in your yard. While these leaves are aesthetically pleasing and make for great photos, make sure you’re raking them up regularly so they don’t build up around your unit.
Seal Air Leaks
If your windows and doors aren’t fully sealed, you’ll be feeling some unwanted drafts throughout your home as the weather gets cooler, which also wastes energy if your HVAC is running. Check your windows and doors and seal any air leaks you find with caulk or weather stripping.
Adjust Your Thermostat
With the weather cooling down, there’s no need to have your thermostat set to the same temperature it was set to in July. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees and see if you can find a temperature that makes everyone in your home feel comfortable. This can also lower the cost of your energy bills since your HVAC system won’t be working as hard to cool your house down.
Remove Window AC Units
If you have any window AC units in your home, fall is the perfect time to remove them from the windows as winter will be following shortly after. Give the units a good clean and check for any defects so that they’re ready to be reinstalled once the weather is warmer again in the spring. Removing the window units will also give you the perfect opportunity to open your windows during fall and let the fresh air in. There’s nothing like a crisp fall breeze in October!
Schedule Your Seasonal HVAC Check-Up
If you neglected to schedule your seasonal HVAC tune-up before summer started, now is the perfect time to make your appointment with A-Anderson A/C Electric & Heating Company. Scheduling regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your system while also preventing any major problems down the line that will require costly repairs. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your system and will be able to catch any defects early on so that your system will run at its full potential when you need it the most this season.
The best way to ensure that your HVAC system is performing optimally all year long is by scheduling regular maintenance. At A-Anderson A/C Electric & Heating Company, we want you to be comfortable in your home at all times, no matter what season it is. Schedule your HVAC tune-up with us today by calling (972) 833-8832.