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.