With winter slowly approaching and fall saying goodbye, it is the perfect time to take care of the much needed pre-winter HVAC maintenance. After remaining dormant for many months, the chances are that your heating system needs some help (and a lot of cleaning) to perform at its peak efficiency level.
The best way to avoid HVAC breakdowns or expensive repairs is by handling the small issues before they become major problems. Here are a few maintenance tips that will help optimize your HVAC performance and ensure that your home remains comfortable for you and your loved ones during winter.
Seal The Drafts And Leaks
Drafty windows and doors cause warm indoor air to leak out and cold air to come in. This results in increased energy bills as your HVAC system needs to work harder to heat your home. You can stop this from happening by sealing the drafts and caulking your doors and windows. Make sure to check the weather stripping for damages and repair or replace if needed.
Clean The Vents And Grilles
It is normal to see dust and debris being accumulated in vents during the period they have not been used. Hence, the first thing you must do while ticking off tasks from your fall HVAC maintenance list is to clean your vents and grilles. Know that even an inch of dust buildup on your coil or blower motor can result in 10 percent loss of efficiency, increasing the utility costs. Go around your home and make sure that none of the return and supply vents are blocked or closed off in any way.
Add Or Service Insulation
One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system functioning well is by easing its load. You can do this by insulating your home properly – especially areas like attics, crawlspaces, and basements that are prone to letting the hot air out. This will prevent the indoor air from escaping outside and help maintain proper temperature inside your home. Check your insulation for any damages and do the necessary repairs.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
Check your thermostat to ensure that it has not been overworked. See if it’s responding quickly and displaying the accurate temperature. It is best if you install a programmable thermostat, as it will help you make the appropriate settings for the changing weather beforehand.
Clean Or Replace Air Filters
The filters in your HVAC system play a significant role in keeping your home’s air clean. That’s why when these filters get dirty, they not only restrict air from flowing properly but also impact the efficiency of the entire HVAC unit. Ideally, the HVAC air filters should be cleaned and changed every six months. Make sure to install only the best filters – the ones that have a minimum MERV rating of 7.
Maintain The Area Around Outside Unit
While the falling leaves during autumn look pretty, they can be hazardous for your outdoor HVAC unit. Keep your outdoor unit and its surrounding area free from leaves, pollen, dirt, and dust by cleaning regularly. A debris-free HVAC system will certainly save you repair costs in the long run.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Call a professional to perform a thorough inspection on your HVAC system. He will not only address any issues that may later lead to a breakdown but also provide the necessary guidance on the proper use of the system. He will also tell you if your system needs to be replaced.
At Able Appliance & HVAC Service, we are experienced professionals who can easily tune up your HVAC system to ensure proper functionality and improved energy efficiency. We do same day repairs at affordable prices. Call us at 703-916-0509 or 703-330-4772 for a service today!