Warm summer weather vanishes as quickly as it comes, and you will soon find yourself reaching for an extra blanket. Prepare for the crisp autumn weather by completing a fall HVAC maintenance checklist. It’s the best way to keep your energy bills low and extend the life of your heating and cooling system.
This post will go over a few things you can do to get your HVAC system ready for fall. To get the most out of your existing HVAC unit, schedule service with Canton’s best HVAC company, Green Energy Mechanical Inc.
Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist to Prepare for Fall
The last thing you want is to end up with a broken heater in the middle of a cold snap. Scheduling furnace maintenance in autumn could take weeks as overworked HVAC technicians scramble to provide service in your area. Here are a few HVAC service company tips to prepare for winter weather:
Change the Air Filter
A dirty air filter keeps your HVAC unit from working efficiently. You should change the air filter regularly throughout the year according to your HVAC unit’s manual. It’s the easiest way to reduce unnecessary strain and improve your indoor air quality. Changing your air filter is a great way to begin preparing your HVAC for fall.
Clean the Vents
When your HVAC unit operates with a dirty air filter, dust, pet dander, and other pollutants flow freely through the ductwork, forming a thick layer of grime around the vents. If you’ve noticed worsening allergy symptoms lately, check for visible dust in and around your vents.
Turn It on and Listen for Strange Noises
You know the sounds your heater typically makes as it cycles on and off throughout the day. During your preparations for fall, turn on your heater for a few minutes and listen to the sounds it makes. If you hear any loud vibrations or rattling sounds you don’t typically hear, that indicates your unit has damaged components that need professional repair before they cause permanent damage.
Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If your heater uses natural gas, your fall HVAC maintenance checklist isn’t complete without ensuring you and your family will not fall victim to a carbon monoxide leak. Change the batteries in each one and test them so you know they will alert you in case of an emergency. You can’t smell carbon monoxide, and the best way to stay safe is by installing a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home.
Adjust the Thermostat
Look at your HVAC unit’s thermostat. You may need to adjust the settings to switch your HVAC unit from summer to winter mode. If you have trouble with your thermostat, an HVAC technician can recalibrate it to help your home maintain an accurate temperature.
Remove Debris
Part of basic heating system care is removing excess debris from the outside unit. As seasons change, fallen leaves and twigs build up on and around the unit, blocking airflow and preventing the heater from working efficiently. Carefully clean away all dirt and debris to prevent rust and decay.
Clean the Inside of the Compressor
After you clean away excess debris, you can clean the inside as well. Cleaning the compressor at the end of the summer season helps keep it in good shape while it’s not in use during the winter. Here is a quick overview of cleaning the compressor:
- First, make sure your HVAC unit is switched off. For extra safety, switch off the breaker switch as well.
- Open the unit carefully.
- Use a hose to gently spray the inside of the unit.
- Remove any twigs, dead bugs, or other debris.
- Close the unit.
- Cover the compressor during winter months to prevent it from getting dirty while not in use.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
The most important step on your autumn HVAC checklist is to schedule maintenance from a qualified HVAC technician. They have experience with all types of HVAC units and know common problems that pop up in winter.
During the appointment, the technician will do the following:
- Secure all electrical components
- Replace any damaged parts
- Check for damaged parts that could cause a carbon monoxide leak
- Lubricate bearings and other moving parts
Reliable HVAC Maintenance in Canton
Don’t let fall temperatures sneak up on you. Prepare for the upcoming drop in temperature by conducting a fall HVAC maintenance checklist. Take your checklist one step further by scheduling professional maintenance with Green Energy Mechanical Inc. in Canton, Massachusetts.
The qualified team provides service for HVAC units that use gas or electricity. To schedule service, call Green Energy Mechanical at 781-236-3421.
