As summertime is shortening, start preparing for the fall season. As you think about taking your cozy sweaters out of storage and packing your summer outfits, do not forget to prepare your HVAC for the temperature change. Follow this HVAC maintenance guide to ensure your HVAC is in top condition before the summer weather ends.
1. Change Your Air Filters
As the summer days run their course, your HVAC accumulates a lot of dust and pollen. All these contaminants end up in the air filters, and by the end of the summer, your HVAC is packed with pollutants.
Dirty air filters lower indoor air quality and restrict airflow in the HVAC. If you have allergies, the contaminants in HVAC filters may worsen your symptoms.
Changing your air filters ensures your HVAC runs efficiently in the coming season.
2. Test Your Thermostat
Check your thermostat before the summer warmth ends to ensure it functions properly. Note whether the temperature on the thermostat matches indoor temperatures. Reach out to your HVAC contractor if your thermostat temperature differs from your home’s actual temperature.
3. Remove Clogs in the Condensate Drain
A clogged condensate drain keeps your HVAC from releasing moisture from humid air flowing in the system. The moisture buildup in your HVAC can encourage mold growth. The moisture that accumulates in the drain pan also might overflow and cause leaks.
Water that leaks into your HVAC may damage its electrical system. An overflowing drain pan also can freeze your unit, which causes it to turn off.
If you can access your condensate drain, clean it regularly to prevent clogs. If your condensate drain already has a clog, reach out to an HVAC technician to remove the clog.
4. Clean the Air Ducts
Dust and debris that accumulate in your air ducts during summer can compromise your HVAC’s efficiency. As air circulates through the air ducts, the dirt and debris in them accumulate on your HVAC’s coils and blower motor.
Eventually, all the dirt in your air ducts can create an environment where allergens, mold, and bacteria thrive. The contaminants in your air ducts also restrict airflow, often forcing your HVAC system to work harder to heat and cool your home. This reduces its energy efficiency.
5. Clean Your Outdoor Unit and the Area Around It
During the summer, weeds and grass may grow around your outdoor unit. As the temperature drops, bugs and pests hide in foliage to shelter from the cold weather. Some of these critters may invade your outdoor unit and damage it.
Clear the area around your outdoor HVAC unit to avoid a pest or bug problem in the fall season. While at it, clean the unit itself to remove any leaves, pollen, dust, and twigs that may have accumulated in it during the summer.
Cleaning the outdoor unit facilitates easy airflow around the outdoor condenser coils, which improves HVAC efficiency.
6. Schedule an End-Of-Season Inspection and Tune-Up
Having a professional inspect your system to ensure everything works well is a good idea. During the inspection, an HVAC technician can repair any damages to your HVAC immediately. They also clean your system, getting rid of contaminants and blockages.
7. Give Your HVAC a Break
Use your HVAC less in the last summer months since it can work overtime to heat your home as the temperatures lower. Towards the end of summer, consider opening your windows and letting some fresh air in.
Summer time is shortening, so ensure your HVAC can handle the autumn weather. Schedule seasonal maintenance with your HVAC contractor to keep your HVAC running efficiently through the weather changes. Contact us for all your HVAC needs.