As the days grow shorter and the weather gets cooler, people are preparing their homes for the fall and winter months ahead. While this process may seem simple, you’ll likely want extra care when preparing your heating and cooling system. Better to find ways to keep it in working order by seeing what you can do about it. Here are important tips to help you prepare your HVAC system for fall without any issues.
Check Your Air Filters
Many people forget to check the air filters on their furnaces and A/C. As you prepare your home for colder weather, ensure the filter is clean and not clogged up with debris. If you can’t see any dust or dirt on the filters, you should consider replacing them. The filters will help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris on your indoor units, which can result in unnecessary wear and tear. You can use a vacuum cleaner or shake them out for a good clean.
Seal Air Leaks
Your HVAC system relies on airflow to keep it running. Suppose you have leaks or cracks where the air conditioning or heater vents into your home. It will cause more money to be spent on heating and cooling costs. Seal these air leaks, like the attic trap door, with caulk. The caulk helps keep the air in the home, which helps prevent problems like mold and mildew.
Clean Up Your Outdoor Unit
In addition to your furnace and air conditioner, you’ll need to clean up your outdoor unit. If you plan to leave it outside for the winter, ensure it’s in good condition and not leaking any oil or water. The doors should be shut tightly, as well. When the unit is inside your home, clean up any dirt or debris around the base. Ensure there’s no build-up on the underground pipes.
Check on Your Alarms & Detectors
The first few days of fall are the perfect time to ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Fall is the time that many people open their windows, which can cause CO detector alarms to go off. If your heating unit is left on overnight, you may hear the heater’s noise kicking while sleeping. Check to ensure these noises aren’t from a smoke or carbon monoxide detector.
Schedule a Maintenance Checkup
Do this step as soon as your HVAC system is ready for the cold weather. Your maintenance technician should know when they will be in your neighbourhood, so call them up a few days before they arrive to schedule an appointment. The technician should check the functionality of your indoor units, perform routine service checks and perform maintenance on any components inside the installation that’s worn out over time.
Shut off the Unit’s Power
Your HVAC system relies on electricity to create heat and cool, so all units must be shut off when not in use. Many people try to turn the heat on and leave their HVAC system running when it’s not a warm enough temperature outside. It can cause damage to the unit and will also result in unnecessary wear and tear. Check your thermostat settings as well-by turning on the heat inside your home. You could be increasing your monthly energy bill.
Add Extra Insulation
Fall is the ideal time to add some padding around your heating and cooling ducts. If you’ve been home all winter, there must be more insulation behind the furnace and AC units. It will slow down the heat and cool outside air, which will help to keep your home warmer during the winter months. Install some foam in your fireplaces or thermal furnaces for a cosy home.
It’s important to remember that your HVAC system is one of the most important upgrades in your home. Being proactive will help you to avoid common problems and save money on costly repairs or replacements. These tips will help you prepare for the cold weather, so don’t forget to share them with your friends and neighbours. You and others will be thankful that you considered these tips when fall hits! You can safely say you will all be prepared.