Preparing Your HVAC For Fall
When the fall weather starts to set in, you’re likely thinking of raking up leaves and cleaning out your gutters. While this is an imperative part of homeowner maintenance before winter, you don’t want to forget about your HVAC system. There are many things you’ll need to do to properly prepare your heating system for falling temperatures.
Call for Service
One of the very first things you want to do is get on the schedule for professional maintenance service. This is not only required by most systems’ manufacturers to maintain their warranties, but it’s also imperative to keep your system working efficiently. Maintenance service can also let you know if there’s a problem with your system so you can have it addressed in a timely fashion.
While having your professional maintenance service, it’s helpful to get an estimated remaining lifespan for your unit. This will allow you to financially prepare for the purchase of a new system. With heating systems being a large financial expense for the average homeowner, it’s helpful to be able to prepare many years in advance for its purchase.
Program Your Thermostat
The next thing you’ll want to do is program your thermostat. Make sure that you switch it over from cooling to heating mode. One of the best ways to help keep your utility bills in check during the winter is to be mindful of your temperature settings throughout the day. When you’re not at home, consider raising the thermostat to save energy. A smart thermostat will allow you to monitor your energy usage and control your thermostat from your smartphone. This can be more convenient than traditional programmable thermostats.
Test-run Your System
It’s imperative that you give your system a test run before you need to rely on it every day to stay warm and safe. Listen for your system to kick on and take note of any weird noises. It’s very common for your system to emit a burning smell when it first starts for the season. This should go away after a couple of minutes. If your system has any other smells to it, it’s a cause for concern.
Check Air Vents
When you’re testing your heating system, you should walk around each room and ensure that all of your supply vents are producing an adequate amount of hot air. Anything within a three-foot radius of your supply or return vents should be removed to allow proper airflow for your system. It’s also a good time to clean your vents to prevent those airborne particles from circulating throughout your home.
Switch Ceiling Fans
If you rely on ceiling fans to help increase your comfort while reducing your energy usage, you’re a smart homeowner. As the seasons change, so should the direction the blades of your ceiling fans spin. They should be running in a clockwise direction during the winter months. This helps move hot air stuck at the top of your rooms outward, down the walls, and back to the floor, where you can reuse it.
Change Your HVAC Air Filter
As part of your maintenance checklist, you should replace the air filter in your HVAC system. Make sure that you use a filter with the same dimensions. You should make it a habit to have at least one extra filter on hand so that you can replace dirty filters when necessary.
Have Your Chimney Cleaned
Chimneys are necessary to ventilate the toxic exhaust byproducts of the combustion process from fuel-burning heating systems. It’s necessary to have your chimney cleaned on an annual basis to remove any soot and stuck-on debris. During the cleaning process, they should also inspect your chimney to let you know if there are any issues with its ventilation.
Seal Up Air Leaks
It’s not uncommon for air leaks to open up on your exterior walls over the years. When you’re preparing your heating system, it’s also a good time to check for any new air leaks that have developed. In areas that have leaks, you’ll want to seal up the leak with weather stripping or caulking. Additionally, you want to check the light switches and receptacles on your exterior walls. If you have air leakage, you’ll want to use a foam insert that sits behind the cover plate to seal it off.
Cover Up Your Condenser Unit
Now is the perfect time to go ahead and cover up your outdoor condenser unit to protect it from the wintertime weather. At least, as long as you’re using a furnace instead of a heat pump. The easiest way to do this is with a specialty condenser cover. This will have a sealed top with breathable sides that allow the unit to get airflow but not allow any debris in. If you don’t have an AC cover, consider putting a solid piece of wood on top of your outdoor unit. That way, you can keep any pests and debris out of your unit.
Get Fuel Delivered
If your heating system uses propane or heating oil, you’re going to have on-site storage. Now is a good time to call and order fuel to ensure that your tank is full and ready for the upcoming season. Some homeowners prefer calling for more fuel throughout the season, while others prefer to sign up for an automatic delivery service.
Check Safety Equipment
You should ensure that there is a carbon monoxide and smoke detector on every level of your home and outside every bedroom. Check their batteries and give them all a test to ensure they’re working appropriately. These are your family’s first line of defense against harmful exhaust fumes, so they need to be working optimally. As an extra layer of safety, you should have a fire extinguisher located somewhere within walking distance of your heating system. Make sure that it’s a class C fire extinguisher and that it isn’t expired.
Consider Duct Cleaning and Sealing Services
If you have a forced-air heating system, then you’re going to have ductwork running throughout your home. As time goes by, unwanted airborne debris can back up inside your ductwork. Additionally, the natural process of expansion and contraction can cause leaks to develop in your ducting. Every three to five years it’s recommended that you get professional duct sealing and duct cleaning services. This will ensure optimal airflow throughout your ductwork and prevent any unnecessary heat loss.
Consider Insulation Upgrades
Insulation is a necessary barrier between the temperature in your home and outdoors. The higher the R-value of your insulation, the more resistant it will be to allowing temperature changes. If your existing insulation doesn’t meet the R-value recommendations for your area of the country, or you don’t have insulation, it’s time to think about upgrading.
Trustworthy Heating Maintenance Services
C & C Heating & Air Conditioning offers trustworthy heating maintenance services for the entire Detroit, MI area and the surrounding communities. Our technicians will be more than happy to assist you with all your ductless, heating, air conditioning, duct repair, duct cleaning, water heater, smart thermostat, and indoor air quality needs. Contact our friendly staff today to schedule a service appointment.
