The weather is going to cool off soon, which means you will be thinking about turning the heat on for the first time. As the season transitions, your HVAC system will as well. Fall is a great time to think about upkeep for your system and search the web for “HVAC seasonal maintenance near me.”
If you’re wondering, “What is HVAC” you should know that it’s an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
If you want to make sure you keep warm all winter long, here are a few fall HVAC tips you’ll want to consider:
1. CLEAN AROUND YOUR AC UNIT
During the warmer months, your yard may have gotten a little out of hand. Grass grew faster, and bushes grew bigger. They may have started to edge their way closer to your air conditioning unit. Not to mention the falling leaves of Autumn. Debris too close to the unit can make it significantly more challenging for a skilled HVAC technician to give your unit the fall or winter tune-up it requires.
You might be wondering, “How do I prepare my HVAC for fall?” Go ahead and get out your gardening gloves. Fall is the best time to clean up this critical area. Clear out all overgrown bushes, pick up twigs that could get lodged in the unit, and trim back the grass.
Not only will this help to ensure that your HVAC technician can access your unit, but it also helps the health of your unit. Less shrubbery and debris mean that your unit will stay cleaner for a longer period. This cleanliness can help it to run more efficiently year-round.
2. CONSIDER BUYING A COVER
Once you have cleaned around the unit, you may want to take additional steps to protect the health of your HVAC system. Consider purchasing a cover for your unit. A cover can help to protect it from the elements that can be quite harsh in the winter.
A quality cover can shield your AC unit from moisture, animals, and debris. It is also helpful for keeping ice off when the temperatures dip below freezing.
Keep in mind that you do not want to seal it up completely, though. You will need a cover that allows some moisture to escape. Without this release, trapped moisture can lead to major problems for your unit, such as rust and corrosion.
3. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER
Many homeowners neglect to change their air filters as often as they should. Experts agree that you should swap out these filters at least once a quarter. If you have pets or allergies, you may even want to consider changing them more frequently.
When the seasons change, it can be a great reminder to put in a fresh air filter. This procedure is one of those quick and easy fall HVAC maintenance tips that often get ignored. Make sure to take care of the simple things first!
4. CHECK YOUR THERMOSTAT SETTINGS
The chances are that you were running your air conditioning on full blast during the brutal summer heat. Now that the weather is getting cooler, your unit could use a break. Make sure to consider what you have your thermostat set to during the day and night.
Ensure your home is comfortable, but there is no need to run your air conditioning all day long anymore.
If you don’t already have one, this could be a great time to invest in a smart thermostat. This device would allow you to program your home to save electricity while you are gone during the day and keep the house comfortable while you sleep at night.
What temperature should AC be set to in the Fall? It is recommended to set it around 68 degrees Fahrenheit when the weather turns a bit colder.
5. SEAL UP YOUR HOME
Have you noticed that your front door is a bit drafty? Maybe it is always too cool to sit by that window in the living room. To keep your unit from having to heat or cool the great outdoors, you must seal up your home to the best of your ability.
This process might mean caulking those gaps between the window and the drywall. You may also need to replace weatherstripping around the entry doors. Walk around your home and notice which areas are too hot in the summer and cold in the winter. When you experience this, the odds are that you have a leak going on somewhere.
6. SET YOUR REGISTERS
Some people have rooms in their homes that they rarely frequent. As the seasons change, it may be time to evaluate opening and closing your registers. There is no need to have a register open in a room that you aren’t using. It simply makes your unit work harder for no discernible benefit.
Only heat the areas of your home where you spend time. Be careful not to go overboard, though. Closing too many registers throughout your home can throw off the balance of air pressure inside.
7. PREPARE TO TURN ON THE HEAT
You might be wondering, “When should I turn my furnace on in the Fall?” This query is an extremely common question coming from homeowners every autumn.
Turning on your heat may depend on how warm you like it to be in your home. Most professionals will recommend turning it on when the temperature in your home dips below 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. CONSIDER A REPLACEMENT
Homeowners dread the day when their HVAC system simply stops working. It can make for long and cold nights in the dead of winter. Nobody wants to be caught in this situation, waiting for a new unit to be ordered and installed before you can get warm again.
Consider how old your system is to determine whether it may be time to get a quote for an HVAC replacement cost. Units that have lived to see the ripe age of 15 may need to be replaced instead of repaired. They are likely to run less efficiently, costing you more every month than a newer unit would.
While it can certainly be an investment to replace your unit, it can give you peace of mind that comes from knowing your home will not be without heat in the middle of a freezing winter. A skilled technician can offer you customized advice on the best HVAC system for your home.
9. SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE
One of the top HVAC tips for fall is to schedule your professional maintenance. You might end up searching for an “HVAC store near me” to find technicians who will come out to your home, inspect your unit, and give it a thorough once-over. They will be checking for things like:
- Cleanliness of the system
- Wear and tear on all parts
- Airflow
- Thermostat reliability
- Electrical connections
These are all tasks that are better left to the professionals. They can help extend the lifespan of your unit, and certified annual maintenance is likely necessary for you to maintain warranty coverage.
It is well worth the initial investment of the HVAC seasonal maintenance cost to give you peace of mind through the long, cold months ahead.
HVAC TIPS FOR FALL
Preparing your HVAC system for a bit of cooler weather is an absolute must. Every unit could use a little time and attention as the seasons begin to change. Whether you need to tend to the debris surrounding the unit or sign up for seasonal maintenance, these simple steps can help to give you the comfort you need all winter long.
If you are ready to tackle your heating issues, don’t bother searching for “HVAC seasonal maintenance near me;” ECMC is the best in the business, and we can be there in an instant if you call us today.