The leaves are beginning to change and the cool weather is rolling in, this is a sign to have your HVAC ready for the next season.
Before you switch your HVAC system from cooling to heating, to prepare for fall and winter, there are a few things you should add to your todo list.
Test Your System
When fall rolls around, warm weather can linger in the forecast and cooler weather can quickly approach.
You may have been using your air conditioning all summer, but your heating system may be a little rusty.
It is always a good idea to test run your system before it begins running all the time to keep your home comfortable.
Keep an eye on your system when testing it to see how much time it takes to get to the set temperature. If it doesn’t turn on, takes too long, or is not properly heating your space, call a technician right away to ensure it will be ready for cooler weather.
Testing your system also includes your thermostat. Be sure it is working properly and if you have a smart thermostat, that it is programmed to the settings necessary for the weather.
Seasonal Maintenance
You do not want to be uncomfortable when the leaves begin to fall and the weather begins to change.
Even if you have a working furnace, seasonal maintenance is always in your best interest when heading into fall.
With cooler weather rolling in, you will want your heating system to be operating at its top efficiency.
Regularly having maintenance done on your system can help improve your indoor air quality, increase efficiency, save you money on energy bills, and extend the life of your system.
Replace Filters
Replacing your HVAC filters is probably not on your regular chores list, but it is important you do not forget it.
A clean filter can catch more pollutants and helps your system run more efficiently compared to a dirty one.
On average you should be replacing your filters at least every 2-3 months, if not more. A dirty filter or obstruction in your filter or system can lower the efficiency of your system between 5 percent and 15 percent.
Clean Outdoor Unit
The leaves may be beautiful when they begin to change colors and fall to the ground, but leaving them around your outdoor HVAC unit may cause issues.
Before the season gets into full swing, check your outdoor unit for any damage or debris.
Too much debris around the unit can affect the airflow.
Continue to keep an eye on it to prevent any debris, dirt, or leaves from getting into the unit and impacting its efficiency.
Generators
You don’t want to find yourself in fall or winter without HVAC. Power outages can be instant and last for hours, days, or even weeks.
If you do not have a standby generator, consider investing in one to help keep your home running even through a power outage.
A backup generator will power HVAC and other necessities, such as:
- Lights
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Security systems
- Computers
- Sump pumps
- Televisions
- Items plugged in to outlets
These systems can detect when there is a loss of power and immediately switch your services from the primary source of power to the generator.
You will only be without power for seconds instead of hours, and when the electricity comes back on, the system will transfer your power demands back to the primary source.
The Aire-Flo Heating & Cooling team is ready to help! Call us at (614) 618-9989 for all your HVAC needs!
