Fall HVAC Maintenance
There are so many fun activities to do during fall. Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and of course Halloween. Unfortunately there are also some necessary activities that aren’t quite as fun, such as raking leaves, cleaning out gutters, and fall HVAC maintenance. You have to ensure that your home is prepared for the cold winter months, and fall is really the last chance to do so before it gets too cold. There are many common issues that occur with HVAC systems. These are the common fall HVAC maintenance issues you should be looking out for during the fall months.
Common HVAC Issues In Fall
Condensation
Before you turn your air conditioner off for the winter, ensure that there is no excess condensation left in the drain pan, or anywhere else. A little bit of wetness is normal and difficult to avoid, but there should not be any stagnant pooling water. This indicates a clogged drain line. This stagnant water can be a key cause of mold development if it is not attended to. Employ the services of an HVAC technician to ensure that the excess condensation is cleared.
Dirty Filters
Dirty filters have a tendency to make your HVAC system less efficient. Changing your air filters should be part of your regular fall HVAC maintenance, as well as every other time of the year. You should be changing your HVAC filters every 30 to 90 days, to ensure that clean air pumping is throughout the home. A dirty air filter can not only increase energy costs, but it will also cause damage to your HVAC system as a whole. This may mean even more costly repairs – you might even need a whole brand new system. Dirty air filters can even have an effect on indoor air quality if not properly maintained. Keep the clean air flowing for the sake of you and your family.
Removing Debris From Other Parts Of HVAC Unit
The filter isn’t the only part that needs to be cleaned or replaced during HVAC maintenance. Dust and debris also collect in all other parts of the HVAC unit. Just like with condensation, a light layer of dust is normal and unrealistic to avoid altogether. Too much dust can cause damage to your HVAC unit, creating more costly repairs that need to be done during regular HVAC maintenance. Contact a professional HVAC specialist to properly clean and remove any dust and debris. Specialists will also ensure that no other damage has been done to the system itself.
Ensure That Attic Is Properly Insulated
Proper insulation in your attic is imperative for keeping your home warm. An improperly insulated attic can cause your warm air to fly out the window, quite literally. You’ve put all this effort into HVAC maintenance, so ensure that your effort isn’t in vain. It is important to have a properly insulated attic to keep the warm air in, and to also keep the cold air out. You don’t want your energy bills going through the roof (again… literally.)
Weatherstripping Doors & Windows
For the same reason as the attic insulation, it is important that your doors and windows are properly sealed. Check around all windows and doors that lead to outside for any cracks in the weatherstripping. Repair any cracks or gaps you may have found immediately. This will keep your warm air indoors and cold air out.
Sounds From Within HVAC System
You may be hearing some sort of rattling sounds coming from inside the HVAC system. This could mean that something from outdoors, such as a twig or rock, has gotten inside your system. Have an HVAC specialist come out and inspect what the problem may be. While you may be able to get to the bottom of the issue yourself, it is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure your safety.
Is It Time For A New HVAC System?
Winter is sneaking up on us fast here in South Jersey. Now is the perfect time to determine whether or not your HVAC system is up to par, before you and your family get left in the cold. Even if you have had no issues with it recently, you should still have it inspected for anything that you may have missed. Ensure that your HVAC maintenance evaluates all of the important variables. Your HVAC system should be in good working condition. Ensure that it is reliable and efficient, and should be cleaned regularly. A quick inspection of your HVAC system can be the difference between needing a whole new system come next spring.
