Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips

Fall is nearly here, and it’s time to start thinking about carrying out your fall HVAC maintenance. Even if the weather hasn’t turned cool yet, now is an excellent time to get your system in shape for winter.

Preventative maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your HVAC system. It’s also good for the environment, boosting energy efficiency and prolonging the life of your equipment.

Here are some HVAC tips to help you get the best from your system.

Change the HVAC Filter

Air filters should be changed two to three times per year. Changing them once in the spring and again in the fall is a good schedule. Filters should also be replaced if they are visibly dirty or damaged. 

Many air filters have a life expectancy of up to 12 months, and when you replace them, you can expect a noticeable improvement in overall system performance.

Some benefits of changing HVAC air filters include:

Better air quality, which is particularly important for allergy sufferers.

Lower energy bills. Dirty filters cause system components to work harder and wear out earlier. Replacing the filters will help your HVAC run more efficiently, reducing operating costs in the long term.

Noise reduction because filters trap small airborne particles that can cause noise and vibration when released into the airstream by the blower motor.

However, you need the right air filters to enjoy these benefits. Visit this page for more information.

Get Professional Inspection

As part of your fall maintenance routine, you should get a professional inspection by an HVAC technician. Your system is much less likely to experience problems if it is regularly inspected and cleaned. Most technicians offer free inspections on new systems within the first year after installation and recommend annual or semi-annual inspections.

Some things that should be checked are:

Condensate drain line to make sure it isn’t clogged with insulation or any other debris.

Motor housing to see if there are any tears in the cooling coils or signs of moisture accumulation. This could lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Moisture around motors also signals inadequate ventilation, which can lead to overheating, motor failure, and increased energy bills.

Get Your Ducts Cleaned

Ducts that are blocked with dust and debris can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to higher energy bills and a lower standard of comfort. Having your ductwork cleaned professionally is the best, most efficient way to remove airborne contaminants from your house. Clean ducts also improve indoor air quality by preventing the build-up of mold, pollens, and other allergens in supply registers, grilles, and diffusers.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) testing technology has made it easier than ever to find out what kind of contaminants are in your home’s air supply. So you can choose a service provider who offers solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Reprogram the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help save money on your HVAC bills. That’s because a well-programmed thermostat can be set to run the air conditioner or heat pump at optimal times, reducing energy consumption and boosting comfort.

If you have an older system that doesn’t support remote access or automation, consider upgrading to a new model. It will make it easier to keep tabs on when your equipment is running.

If your system is set to the incorrect temperature, it might not be delivering the efficiency savings that could be achieved by setting it correctly. You can also end up with too cool or hot rooms due to HVAC units running longer than necessary.

Some systems have room sensors that automatically adjust settings according to indoor conditions. If yours doesn’t, program the thermostat to suit your needs using a manual setback feature. This allows you to manually override the automatic functions at peak times of use – like when everyone gets home from work.

Listen to Unusual Sounds

It is essential to listen for unusual sounds as part of your fall HVAC maintenance. Unusual sounds and vibrations can indicate equipment problems that need to be addressed before they result in costly repairs.

If you hear a strange noise coming from your system, first try to find the source by listening to it at different locations inside your home or office.

Some noises may be caused by worn or damaged fan blades, whereas others might signal loose motor mounts or bearings that need to be tightened. Other common causes include improper belt tension, refrigerant leaks, and air blowing through a loose grille.

Sometimes you will fix minor problems yourself with simple fixes like tightening a screw or lubricating moving parts, but other times more extensive service may be required.

Choose High-Efficiency Equipment

When buying new heating and cooling equipment, look for the Energy Star logo. Air conditioners and heat pumps with this label use 20% less energy than standard models. They also last longer, saving you money in maintenance costs over their lifespan.

Your installer can help you decide if an air conditioner or heat pump is right for your home, based on its size and construction.

Remove Debris From Your System

Leaves, flower petals, and other debris in your outdoor unit can cause it to overheat and shut down. This isn’t only a problem during the fall, but it is especially common around this time of year. And don’t forget about those bird feathers.

Be sure to check all fans for binding or any other obstruction that could prevent them from spinning freely.

Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips Explained

Regular fall HVAC maintenance is a smart way to prevent problems such as breakdowns and unnecessary energy consumption. Maintenance also helps you stay comfortable and healthy throughout the winter season, which lasts for at least three months in many regions of the US.

So make sure your HVAC unit gets a checkup at least once every couple of weeks from now until winter. And if there are any issues you find, get them fixed before they escalate into something even more expensive or damaging.

For more informative articles, keep reading our blog posts.