Now that the weather is cooling down and seasons are changing, it’s time to think about preparing your HVAC system for the fall. While it’s easy to flip the switch on your thermostat to change to heating mode, there’s more that needs attention if you want to get the most from your system throughout the fall and winter. Use this guide for the simple steps that will keep your system working efficiently and reduce the wear it experiences.
Change Air Filters
One of the most important parts of preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons is replacing your air filter. Filters help keep out airborne contaminants, including the extra dust from the dry summer. You may need to replace your filter more often than just at the change of seasons. The common 1- and 2-inch filters typically need changing every 30 to 90 days. Larger filters, like 4-inch or 5-inch filters, may last several months to a year depending on the construction, your home’s air quality, and how you use your HVAC system.
Replace Thermostat Batteries
Thermostats have batteries to help retain settings if the power is interrupted, such as during a storm or if you trip a breaker. These batteries need periodic replacement to ensure they have a proper charge when needed. Additionally, replacing them periodically prevents the batteries from corroding and damaging the thermostat. It is generally recommended to change your thermostat batteries at least once a year. Some suggest changing them twice a year when you switch between heating and cooling to avoid forgetting. When you replace them, manufacturers recommend only using alkaline batteries, not rechargeable ones, for optimal performance.
Get Your Ducts Cleaned
The ducts in a central HVAC system deliver conditioned air throughout your home. Over time, dirt and other contaminants accumulate in those ducts, slowly restricting airflow. Additionally, contaminants like bacteria and mildew can build up and cause unpleasant odors when the system runs. This is why it’s important to keep duct cleaning as a routine part of your maintenance. Most homes only require duct cleaning every three to five years. However, you may want to have them cleaned more frequently if you have a particularly dusty home or after any renovation that creates dust, such as mudding or scraping old paint layers.
Clean Your Outside Unit Housing
Whether you have a standard air conditioner or a heat pump, it is essential to clean the outside unit. Dust from the dry season can cake on the unit’s fins and coil, restricting its heat transfer capability. You can clean this off by gently washing the outside unit with water from a garden hose. Keep the hose nozzle off to avoid using too much pressure that could damage the fins.
Additionally, the unit must have adequate clearance for proper airflow. Industry recommendations are to maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and 5 feet above the unit if it’s a top-vented model. If you have a side-vented unit, check with your HVAC technician for the proper clearance. Make sure the area around your unit is free of landscaping architecture, bushes, brush, tree limbs, and other landscaping plants or decorations.
Open and Clear Your Vents
With a central air handling system, the conditioned air circulates through the house by supply vents creating high air pressure and return vents creating low air pressure. If the vents aren’t open and clear, your system won’t be able to circulate conditioned air effectively.
Start by ensuring all supply vents are open, even in rooms you don’t use frequently. Next, make sure each supply vent has at least 6 inches of clearance above and around it. Return vents may require more clearance, depending on their size. Check with your maintenance technician for the appropriate clearances for your system.
Change Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
Your carbon monoxide detector plays a critical role in keeping your family safe, especially if you have a gas-burning furnace or water heater. These detectors run on batteries to ensure they keep working even during power outages. Industry experts recommend changing these batteries every six months. Like with thermostats, use only alkaline batteries to ensure they maintain their charge properly.
Have Ducts Inspected and Sealed
Ducts transport conditioned air throughout your home, but if they have leaks, they can allow heated or cooled air to escape, reducing efficiency. It’s recommended to have your ducts inspected every three to five years or whenever you have them cleaned. It’s best to have them inspected before cleaning; if they aren’t properly sealed, the cleaning service won’t be able to create a vacuum to remove dirt and debris effectively. Remember, duct tape is not designed to adequately seal ducts, so let a professional handle this to ensure it’s done correctly with materials such as mastic sealant or foil-backed tape.
Update Your Thermostat Settings
Adjust your thermostat settings to reflect the season. Set the thermostat only low enough to keep your home comfortable in the summer and high enough to stay warm in the winter. Beyond adjusting the temperature, update the thermostat programs to match your fall and winter schedule. If you’re not currently using programs, remember that the Department of Energy suggests you can save about 10% on your annual heating and cooling costs by reducing the strain on your system while you’re away. Reducing the strain also minimizes wear on the system, which can lower your repair costs and extend its service life.
Get Routine HVAC Maintenance
Routine maintenance is critical to ensure your HVAC system reaches its full potential service life and doesn’t fail prematurely. Fall HVAC maintenance focuses on preparing your heating equipment, whether it’s a gas furnace, heat pump, or dual-fuel system. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean the circulating fan, heat exchanger, burner, and flame sensor. They’ll also tighten electrical connections and mounting hardware to reduce vibration and wear, and test components throughout the system to identify any parts that are worn but may not have failed yet.
Fix Small Problems Early
It’s easy to ignore subtle problems, thinking they’re just a fluke or imaginary. However, problems with mechanical systems rarely fix themselves and typically worsen over time. Whether you notice a subtle problem or a technician identifies a component that’s not working optimally, don’t delay in scheduling service. Even a small problem can strain the entire system, accelerating wear and leading to more extensive repairs or shortening the unit’s service life.
Subtle signs your system may need a repair include:
- Reduced airflow from supply vents
- Cool air when heating is on
- Unusual sounds during a heating cycle
- Odd odors coming from your system
- Short cycling (frequent on/off cycles)
- Extended heating cycles
Residents of Chandler trust the experience of Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing to keep their homes comfortable and safe. Our team provides area property owners with award-winning air conditioning and heating maintenance, repair, and installation, along with indoor air quality solutions and a full range of residential plumbing services. Ak us about our Hero membership and maintenance plan, today!
Call us to schedule your fall HVAC maintenance.