6 Fall HVAC Tips
With fall right around the corner, it’s important to implement these 6 Fall HVAC tips to keep your HVAC unit safe for the weather change.
Cooler weather will gradually descend onto our area and we will soon be preparing our furnaces for the cold weather that lies ahead.
Now is the perfect time to take measures to prepare your HVAC systems for the winter season. You’ll want to ensure your HVAC unit equipment is in good shape after heavy usage during the summer and that it is safe in the event of future heavy storms.
Here are some tips to get your HVAC system in prime condition for the upcoming winter season.
6 Tips to Have Your HVAC Ready for the Winter Season
1) Have Your Furnace Tuned Up
It is essential that you schedule a service to have your heating system maintenance scheduled as soon as possible. This tune-up service will give your furnace or heat pump superior efficiency during the upcoming winter and will result in greater comfort inside your home or office.
There are several major advantages you gain by having your heating system serviced in the fall. They include:
• Maximized system performance that gives you more even, stable and reliable warmth inside your home or office.
• Longer service life by having a well-maintained HVAC system.
• Reduce the chances of having major equipment failures or breakdowns during the upcoming seasons.
• Reduced energy bills during the colder months.
2) Clean AC Compressor Unit
To begin with, turn off the power to the AC compressor unit, which you will find when you lift the metal lid adjacent to the unit.
You will want to eliminate leaves, twigs, and other debris on and near the compressor. Otherwise, this heavy debris can cause the fan to get stuck and become clogged, leading to the potential for serious mechanical problems.
Keep plants at least three to four feet away from the AC compressor and remove invasive plants.
Aside from these actions, while keeping the unit shut off, hose off the exterior of the AC compressor to clear away pollen, dirt, dust, etc. Then make sure the unit dries before you turn it back on. You don’t want to have moisture sucked into your system.
Checklist for the AC Compressor
We advise you to take the following measures to shield your AC compressor from storm damage and prepare your HVAC for the fall and winter:
• Clear away vegetation growing adjacent to your compressor, as well as eliminate built up yard debris. These natural elements could block airflow through your cooling system when it is blown up against the AC compressor during severe weather. Big pieces of material could damage the HVAC unit’s fins.
• Be prepared to move large or heavy outdoor items indoors if inclement weather is forecasts to prevent them from bumping into the AC compressor.
• If a lightning storm is on the way, be sure to shut down your A/C unit to prevent damage caused by power surges due to lightning strikes.
NOTE on Storm Damage: Following a storm, always be sure to inspect the exterior of your air conditioner before restarting the system. Look for damage on the unit’s exterior and eliminate debris near your A/C compressor. You will need to contact an HVAC professional immediately if you find your outdoor unit was exposed to standing flood water or if it has been damaged.
3) Clean Indoor Vents & Seal Ducts
You can also prepare for the winter season by cleaning around your vents. You should also seriously consider sealing your ductwork. The vast majority of homes have leaky air ducts and lose some of the air through leaks that is supposed to heat or cool your living spaces. This can lead to uneven treated air.
4) Remove Your Window A/C Units
If you use window A/C units, remove them in order to winterize your system. They will be in better condition when you need them again and you prevent them from potentially dangerous exposure to the elements during rough winter weather.
5) Check Your Air Filters
Make sure to inspect your furnace and air conditioning filters, looking for dirt or other debris. Otherwise, your energy system will not operate at optimal efficiency, causing an increase in your utility bills. You will also want to replace your A/C unit filter before you shut it down so it runs at peak effectiveness next summer.
6) Purchase Extra Air Filters in Preparation for the Fire Season
As we approach what could be a dangerous fire season this fall, you will want to ensure you still have good indoor air quality. This is where your HVAC system comes in. The filtration units, if properly maintained, can purify your air in your home or office, keeping the air safe and breathable.
You also will want to have extra air filters on hand so you can change them in your HVAC unit in the event of a nearby forest fire or contaminated air in general. Despite closing your windows and doors, fine particles can still seep in through your roof vents or gaps in windows and doors. A clean air filter in your HVAC unit will make it possible to continue to breathe in good quality air if the air in your community is heavily polluted with smoke.
In order to maintain the good air quality indoors during area fires, you may have to change air filters multiple times a week, or even in a day. This is why it is important to have plenty of air filters ready to place into your HVAC unit.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
