Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

If you are not performing your own fall HVAC maintenance, then you risk problems with your system. Keeping your entire system maintained will ensure your HVAC is there when you need it.

Often, the fall can be short and it can get cold rather quickly. You need to have your HVAC system ready to handle the workout it will get all winter long. There are a few things you can do yourself.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your HVAC maintained is the best way to prevent any problems or the need for costly repairs.

Clean The Furnace

Start by checking around your furnace. Make sure you remove any boxes, sleds, clothes, or anything that may have been stored in the basement. Keep these all several feet away from your furnace.

Then open the vents and check that there is nothing built up inside. Vacuum out the dust, lint, and pet hair that has been gathering. This will prevent blockages and fires.

Check the Filters

Changing your filters is one of the best ways to make sure the air will flow. If you have older filters that require cleaning, change them for some more higher efficiency filters.

These will help to catch more dust and debris better. Many newer filters have electrostatic charges in the pleats that trap particles. This improves the way the HVAC functions and helps with air quality.

Clear Debris Outside

Once the leaves start to fall, they can clog up the vents and outdoor systems. Get rid of the leaves, branches, and other bits of garbage that may blow into your yard.

You should keep an eye on this until the leaves have all gone, just to make sure there are no problems. The air needs to move through the system, so keep other toys or other objects away from the outside unit. Once it is cleared, cover it up.

Check Ducts

Check your ducts to make sure there is nothing blocking them. Look for signs of damage, like moisture damage, rust, water stains, cracks, or an excessive amount of dust or pet hair.

These can be cleaned but you may want to leave them to the professionals. Floor vents can be checked but if they are higher up, you shouldn’t attempt to clean them by yourself.

Turn it On

Early in the fall, turn your heater on, just to give it a check. You should know right away if something is wrong. There may be a noise, a bad smell, or no reaction, at all.

It will give you a better idea about the state of your HVAC and whether you are going to need a service call. If there seems to be an issue, shut it off again, and call for professional HVAC maintenance.

Get an Inspection

Ideally, you should have the HVAC system inspected in the spring and the fall. It’s the best way to prevent getting caught with a major problem during a heatwave or a cold snap.

A professional will know what to look for and be able to prevent the issues from getting much worse.

HVAC Maintenance

Call us today at Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning. Regardless of the cooling or heating services you need, we provide each customer with a 100% guarantee for the HVAC work we do. We will always strive to do the best job possible and back up this claim with an iron-clad guarantee.

Fall HVAC maintenance will keep your system working when you need it the most. Don’t get caught paying for costly repairs in the middle of winter.

Heating and Cooling Tips Every Kansas City Homeowner Should Know

Heating and cooling tips for our homes not only keep us more comfortable, but they also help our system run better and make it easier to manage our energy bills.

We depend on our HVAC system to make sure we are warm or cool so it’s vital we take care of it. If you do your part, then you won’t need costly repairs and the heating and cooling system will work when you need it to.

Heating and Cooling Tips Every Kansas City Homeowner Should Know

The more you know about heating and cooling tips, and what tasks you can do yourself, and what you need to leave to the professionals, the better and longer your HVAC system will work at its peak.

Keep it Clean

It’s important to keep all areas of your heating and cooling system clean. The outside unit of your air conditioner needs to be free of items and debris. Make sure there are no leaves, bikes, clothing, or anything else blocking the vents and airflow.

The same for your furnace. Don’t leave boxes, toys, crafts, or anything else stacked in front of it. Make sure the area around the furnace is kept clear of dust, pet hair, or rodents.

Change Filters

HVAC systems have filters that trap dust and other small particles from the air. These filters need to be either cleaned or replaced regularly during the busy season.

They make sure your air is cleaner and they also cut back on certain allergens. When the filters are clean, the unit doesn’t need to work as hard and that will ultimately save you money on your energy bill and maintenance and repairs.

Vents

When you change your filters, check your vents. They can also get a build-up of dust, pet hair, and other particles. You can remove the register and either vacuum the space or wipe it with a damp cloth.

If you are not comfortable with this, you can hire a professional to do it for you. Clean vents and filters allow the system to work better, keep the air you breathe cleaner, and won’t overwork the HVAC system.

Regular Inspections

Having your HVAC unit inspected at least twice a year is one of the best heating and cooling tips available. Even if you think the system is fine, a professional can make sure everything is as it should be.

Cleaning, repairs, and regular maintenance can also be done during your inspection. Professionals can spot potential problems before they become actual problems and end up costing you a lot of money.

Upgrade Your System

If your thermostat has seen better days, consider getting your system upgraded. Programmable thermostats allow you to preset the temperature you want, even when you are not there.

You can set the heating or cooling to come on just before you get home, to help save money. You can also set it with your mobile device or override the settings you set up.

Know the Signs of Problems

Another important heating and cooling tip is what red flags to watch out for. Odd thumping or strange noises, bad odors or a burning smell, leaks, humidity, or if your unit takes too long to respond.

Heating and Cooling Tips

If you have problems with your HVAC system, any questions, or just need a consultation, please give us a call here at Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning. Our trained professionals can help you with repairs, advice, an upgrade, or anything else that you may need.

Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner Before it Heats up this Summer

Few things are more frustrating than realizing you need a new air conditioner when it’s too late. You turn it on just to hear a loud noise or nothing at all. Many people don’t realize their air conditioner needs attention even if it’s been idle for several months. Continue reading “Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner Before it Heats up this Summer”