As of 2022, there exist about 118,012 heating and air conditioning contractors in the U.S. Research indicates these businesses will increase by 0.5% by the end of the year. Summer is almost over, and fall is around the corner. So, you must start preparing HVAC systems for the cold season ahead.
During the summer, your HVAC system goes through heavy usage. Therefore, you should ensure that your HVAC unit remains in good condition to keep you safe in future heavy storms.
Here, we provide seven tips on preparing HVAC systems for fall in Aurora, CO.
1. Have Your Outdoor HVAC Unit Tuned Up
Regular HVAC maintenance is vital to ensure your furnace provides service for an extended period. Ensure you arrange for a service to maintain your HVAC unit within the shortest time possible.
Performing a tune-up on your HVAC systems will increase the efficiency of your heat pump and the furnace for the winter season. This will ensure the inside of your house or office experiences great comfort.
Besides, repairing HVAC units reduces your chances of encountering significant equipment failures. You enjoy prolonged service life by having well-maintained outdoor HVAC units.
Maximizing your HVAC system performance gives you much more stable and reliable warmth in your home or office during the fall season. Tuning your HVAC systems will also help reduce your energy bills when the colder months come.
2. Clean Your AC Compressor Unit
First, switch off the power link to your AC compressor unit. You’ll find the power button below the metal lid adjacent to your outdoor HVAC unit.
Preparing the HVAC system will entail removing the twigs, leaves, and other debris on and close to your AC compressor unit. Failure to do so, the heavy debris could make your fan get stuck and clogged.
As a result, your HVAC systems will start experiencing critical mechanical issues. Ensure plants are at least four feet away from your AC compressor unit. Also, get rid of all invasive plants around.
Alternatively, hose off the exterior of your HVAC compressor unit while the system remains shut down. By doing so, you clean all the pollen, dust, and dirt away from your HVAC system.
Be sure to turn on your AC compressor unit after it completely dries. This will prevent getting any moisture sucked into your HVAC system.
You should also move any large outdoor items into your house. This action will prevent these heavy items from bumping into your AC compressor unit during stormy weather.
You should always turn the AC unit off during a lightning storm. It helps to prevent power surges from causing damage to your HVAC systems.
Otherwise, you might be forced to consider replacing HVAC systems.
3. Keep Your Indoor Vents Clean and Seal Ducts
One way to prepare HVAC systems for fall is by cleaning around the vents. You should also contact your HVAC Company for professional duct sealing services.
Most outdoor HVAC systems have air ducts that leak. So, air that’s supposed to heat and cool your home or office gets lost through these leakages leading to uneven treated air.
You can clean your indoor vents and seal ducts as a DIY project. Alternatively, contact your heat and air conditioning services provider for a professional and quality cleaning job.
4. Replace Your AC Air Filters
Most AC air filters have a limited service life. So, you should expect their efficiency to drop at some point in their service life.
Remember, worn-out filters will waste your energy by running at reduced efficiency. Replacing your AC air filters will maximize your AC performance and save you money.
Clogged and damp air filters provide favorable conditions for mold growth and spread throughout your home. This poses a health risk to your family.
Further, blocked air filters cause airflow obstructions. This makes your HVAC system operate much harder than it should when warming your home.
Ensure you check and clean your AC air filters at least once a month. Consider an air filter replacement in case the dirt is too much.
5. Monitor Your HVAC Systems
Sometimes, it’s possible to overlook strange sounds from your AC unit that may indicate an underlying problem. Be attentive to any noises from your HVAC unit, such as clanging, banging, and screeching.
You can also check that your outdoor HVAC unit produces foul smells and other warning signs. Contact your heating and cooling company to diagnose your HVAC system to prevent further damage.
6. Test Your Heating Before Fall
You want to ensure your HVAC system has an excellent performance to provide you with warmth during winter. You can turn up your HVAC thermostat to a maximum level that can engage your furnace.
You’ll know your HVAC unit works properly if the temperature rises and warms up your room a little bit fast. If that’s not the case, you’ll at least have enough time to seek HVAC repair services.
You can also adjust your thermostat settings. If it’s cooler outside, increase the temperature to match your desired comfort.
Programmable thermostats help monitor your HVAC systems using a mobile app or an interface screen in your house.
7. Remove Your Window AC units
When fall comes, it’s best to remove your window AC units to prepare your home for winter. Besides, you can clean and check your window AC units for any defects before using them again.
Removing your window AC units helps keep your HVAC systems safe from harmful exposure to harsh winter weather elements. After that, ensure you secure the seals around your windows.
Preparing HVAC Systems for Fall
With over 70 years of experience, Doctor Fix-It provides quality heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services in the Denver area. Doctor Fix-It can also service your home and businesses in Parker, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, and Castle Rock, Colorado.
With the above tips, preparing HVAC systems for maximum performance this fall shouldn’t be an uphill task.
Contact Doctor Fix-It for furnace maintenance and repairs in Aurora, CO.
