It is just about time to give your air conditioning unit a break and get your HVAC system ready for the winter months. This change in your indoor air control needs to have some preparation in order for it to go smoothly. Don’t wait until you need it to find out that it isn’t working as it should. Here’s everything you need to know as we transition into the winter.
Maintenance Matters
Keeping your home comfortable all through the year is no small task. It requires coordination between your equipment, airflow, and mechanics. Without some regular maintenance, your system is not going to operate as well as you want it to. This will keep your home comfortable, cost you less in the long run, and maximize the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
A maintenance inspection can help find and prevent a variety of HVAC issues such as leaks, rust, rot, damaged wires, and more. These will eventually lead to much bigger and more costly repairs.
The best times to have these maintenance checks done are in the spring and fall — before the intense heat of summer or chilling winter cold really kick-in. Get it done before the peak service call times. During a maintenance check, we will inspect all of the necessary parts and components of your HVAC equipment. When it comes to preparing for the fall and winter, the work that should be done includes checking electrical connections, inspecting system controls, checking piping for leaks and cracks, replacing worn out parts, inspecting blowers, burners, and flue, testing the ignition switch, and heat exchanger. The ducts inside your home should also be inspected and cleaned periodically.
Using Your A/C In The Fall
Your air conditioner has done a lot of work already this summer. How can you make sure that continues through the fall? Staying on top of annual AC maintenance, while also utilizing some other tips and tricks, can help you maintain your air conditioner while keeping your home comfortable.
- Clean around your outdoor unit — Debris can pile up around your outside unit, especially during the fall. When the time arrives to rake up the leaves in your yard, at least rake up the leaves and debris around your air conditioner. Debris can impact airflow, causing your system to work harder and wear down quicker.
- Raise the temperature — Have your thermostat set at the highest temperature you can while still being comfortable. Whenever possible, use other cooling methods such as fans. The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your system will have to work to reach that temperature. You may think turning your unit off completely will save on energy and help your system, but that creates more work for it to make up when you switch it back on. It will have to work harder for a longer amount of time.
- Keep up with AC maintenance — Keeping a well-maintained system with routine, annual AC maintenance is essential. Our professionals will look at your air conditioner thoroughly and make sure the electric is working as it should, the coils and filters are clean and so much more. We take a deeper look to catch little problems before they become major breakdowns and turn into an AC repair appointment. Keeping cool and comfortable in your own home isn’t something you should have to worry about, and with our annual AC maintenance, you don’t have to worry.
Winter Preparation
Now is the time to prepare your HVAC system for winter to make sure your home will stay warm. After a grueling cooling season, you need to make sure your system can keep up with the demands of winter. This is especially true if you have a heat pump. Your HVAC system is a huge investment in your home and your life, so taking care of it is a big deal. Follow these simple steps to make sure your home is ready for winter.
Inspect Your Heating And Cooling System
As mentioned above, your HVAC system needs to be inspected. It is recommended to have a professional take a look, but you may choose to do it yourself. Make sure the system activates when you adjust the thermostat, and listen to it as it runs. Look for leaks or physical damage outside at the compressor and inside around your ductwork. If it will not turn on or is making strange noises, give us a call for help.
Replace Your Filters
Filters get dirty and clogged up fairly quickly. This makes your heating and cooling system work harder than intended and makes it deliver poor results. If you have not changed your filters during the past few months, do it now. When you remove your filters, pay attention to which way the filter fits into your system, so you know how to install your new filter. It might help to take your old filter with you to the store so you get the proper replacement.
Thermostat Test
Give your thermostat a test. This will allow you to make sure it is working properly. Pick a morning and turn your heat up a bit. Take notice of how long it takes to reach that temperature. If it takes a long time or does not reach the temperature you set, there may be an issue with your HVAC system.
Programmable
It is highly recommended to install a programmable thermostat if you have not already. These programmable thermostats allow you to program set temperatures for certain times of the day based on your routines. If programmed correctly, your settings can save you money and keep your HVAC system running efficiently for a long time to come.
Dust And Vacuum
Just as you should clean the debris around the outdoor unit, you should dust and vacuum any debris from your furnace blower. This can help keep your system running smoother and lasting longer. This will also keep your filters lasting longer and the air in your home will be cleaner.
Optional Efficiency
Adding extra insulation and weather stripping to areas in your home that have “air leaks” is a great way to improve the efficiency of your home. It is not considered standard HVAC preparation, but it could save you money and improve the life of your system while keeping you warm during the cold winter months.
Reducing Allergens
Another benefit that will come from making sure that your HVAC system is maintained and performing properly is that you can eliminate many of the allergens that can make your life miserable during the fall. As the weather gets cooler, windows are shut and we start hanging out inside more often. So it becomes very important to maintain the best indoor air quality that you can. In addition to changing your air filters and having your ducts cleaned, what else can you do?
UV Germicidal Lights (What?!)
Lennox offers the highest UV light intensity on the market. Germicidal lights are an effective, non-chemical means of destroying pollutants within your home’s comfort system. These lights destroy the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are inside your system which keeps them from growing or multiplying. Our germicidal lights lower the concentration of microorganisms by 50% in as little as 45 minutes. Even when your system is not currently working, a germicidal light will still be running to keep your air clean and healthy.
Conclusion
Every home and every homeowner has unique needs and we will work with you to be sure your home’s needs are being met every step of the way. If you have any questions about boosting your indoor air quality or about home comfort in general give Alpine Temperature Control in St. George, Utah a call to set up an appointment.
