HVAC Maintenance: Tasks to Do Once Summer Ends

Mark J. Biel • September 20, 2022

Air filter replacement,  air duct cleaning , and other maintenance tasks can prolong the life of your HVAC system. It could also help you save money by reducing the likelihood of damage and the need for costly repairs. Taking care of your heating and cooling system means ensuring your family stays comfortable no matter the season. 

HVAC Maintenance: Tasks to Do Once Summer Ends

Complete these maintenance tasks after summer to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the colder months. 

HVAC Maintenance Tasks to Do Before Fall

Replace Air Filters

The simplest and easiest  HVAC maintenance  task that will extend the life of your equipment is regularly replacing air filters. It’s a good idea to get new filters every time the season changes. If you allow debris to accumulate and clog filters, your heating and cooling system won’t be able to deliver air properly throughout your indoor spaces. As a result, your comfort will suffer and energy bills will increase.

Another great thing about routine filter replacements is that they will help keep the air you breathe indoors as clean as possible. If someone in the family suffers from allergies or asthma, you might need to do the job more frequently. Lastly, filter replacements can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%. 

Look Out for Odd Noises

An efficient HVAC system won’t make banging, thumping, or other odd noises. From time to time, listen to the sounds your equipment makes when it’s running. If you notice something unusual, contact an  HVAC repair  technician immediately. An issue may have occurred inside the unit during the warmer months.

Your HVAC system could have loose or malfunctioning inner components. An incident could have also occurred that started the issue. Check if bushes, grass, plants, or other objects are blocking your outdoor unit.

Remove Dust From Your Equipment

Eliminating dirt and dust from your equipment can help ensure its consistent performance. Do this task carefully to avoid accidental damage. Get rid of dust using a soft brush and vacuum the area around the unit.

Make Sure There Is Nothing Obstructing the Vents

Vents circulate conditioned or warm air around your home. Experts strongly discourage placing furniture or decorative items directly in front of them. Doing so can lead to several issues, including poor unit performance, increased humidity, mold, and mildew growth. 

With restricted airflow, your HVAC system will work harder to reach your desired temperature. The more effort it requires to heat your spaces, the more energy it consumes. It simply means obstructing vents will result in discomfort and higher utility bills. Meanwhile, keeping vents free from obstructions can improve your unit’s performance and reduce the likelihood of malfunctions. 

Test and Adjust the Thermostat

You control your HVAC system through your thermostat. If it has issues, you will notice a decline in the performance of your equipment. Has it been difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature lately? Your thermostat could be the one to blame. 

Check if the batteries need replacement and try turning up the controls of your furnace. When the equipment runs, it means that your thermostat is working properly. You could be dealing with short cycling if it turns off within a few minutes. Replace the batteries if your furnace doesn’t run after switching the control. Contact an HVAC repair specialist if the unit is still not running. 

Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

The last thing you want during the coldest days of the year is to have broken heating equipment. Before the colder months arrive, schedule a professional inspection and tune-up service from a reliable HVAC company. Routine checks can help catch issues that could compromise the performance and reduce the lifespan of your unit. It can delay the need for a replacement and lower the risk of damage, saving you more money in the long run. 

Why Is HVAC Maintenance Important?

It Saves You Money

HVAC maintenance can help you save more money in various ways. It can help lower utility costs, prevent expensive repairs and make your unit last longer. Manufacturers also usually require proper care for warranties to stay valid. 

It Keeps You Comfortable

With a well-performing HVAC system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will stay happy and cozy all year round. Scheduling air duct cleaning and having your equipment checked regularly by a professional are simple things you can do to make your living space as comfortable as possible. 

It Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Now more than ever, it’s important to keep the air you breathe inside your home as clean as possible. Did you know that there are around two to five times more air pollutants indoors than outdoors? You may not know it, but plenty of pollutants could be floating in your indoor air. 

Pet dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites are among the most common contaminants in homes. If you smell something musty indoors, you likely need to have your ducts cleaned. Regular maintenance goes a long way in improving your indoor air quality. It helps reduce the chances of allergy and asthma attacks and will benefit your family’s health. 

It Makes Your Home Safer

HVAC maintenance is essential to the safety of your home. It protects your household from carbon monoxide leaks, which typically occur due to heat exchanger problems. This odorless and colorless gas can have detrimental effects on your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even minimal exposure can have serious health consequences. It’s among the many reasons to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. 

It Helps the Environment

Mother Nature and you will benefit from a well-maintained heating and cooling system. It’s because efficient equipment consumes less fuel or energy, which is great for the environment. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, be mindful of what refrigerant your HVAC system uses. One more thing that can help with your unit’s energy efficiency is installing a programmable thermostat. 

You can count on R.A. Biel Plumbing and Heating for superior residential HVAC maintenance services. Our experienced team is ready to inspect, repair or replace your heating and air conditioning systems. Call us at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our  contact form  to schedule a service. 

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