Fall is approaching which means it’s time to do a quick maintenance check of your HVAC system. While some things need to be done by a professional, there are plenty of small tasks you can do to ensure your system is in good working condition.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Fall
Check the Heaters: You’ll want to make sure your heaters are ready to start working for the upcoming season. You can do this by turning them on and off and checking to see if there are any problems while doing so. This will also prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed if you suddenly turn it on during a chilly day.
Change Humidifier Filters: Another thing to do is change the HVAC’s humidifier filters. Fall might bring cooler weather, but it also means numerous allergens are floating through the air. If the humidifier filters are clogged, it will prevent the HVAC from properly removing these particles which can significantly impact your home’s air quality. After you change the filters, set your home’s humidity to about 45%. This is a good level to keep the humidifier at as it helps to ensure you have good air flow. It also prevents condensation which could lead to mold.
Clean Debris Off Your Air Conditioner: Late summer and fall can result in large amounts of leaves, twigs, and weeds collecting around your air conditioner. While this might not seem problematic at first, these can grow into or get caught inside the device and cause it to break. After doing this, inspect the exterior to ensure there isn’t any damage and then put a cover over it.
Change Out the Batteries in Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It’s also important to change out the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. While the batteries might still have power, it’s better to stay on the safe side and install new ones for extra protection.
Listen for Strange Sounds: After turning your HVAC system on, listen for strange sounds. These indicate that there is probably an issue somewhere, including an obstruction in the pipes or a loose bolt. While you can sometimes fix these issues yourself, most of the time it’s a sign of a more serious problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.
These tips will help you to make sure your HVAC is ready for fall. You can also contact Dale HCS if you’d like to have a more thorough inspection of the system done by a technician.