As the seasons change from summer to fall, you must schedule routine fall HVAC maintenance so your system is ready to withstand cooler weather. Your annual HVAC maintenance isn’t just about ensuring your system can keep your home comfortable but also about extending your system’s life and ensuring it stays energy-efficient. Our fall HVAC tips and checklists will go over everything you need to know about routine maintenance, how to reduce your energy costs, and how to extend the life of your system while preventing costly breakdowns and the need for heating unit repairs.
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Common Fall HVAC Issues and How to Solve Them
Autumn brings unique challenges to your HVAC system, and there are a few common issues to watch out for. We’ll list them below and include how to solve them to keep your system in top shape:
- Clogs in the System – Clogs can reduce your system’s efficiency and lead to expensive problems. As part of your fall HVAC maintenance, you should regularly check and clean the filters, vents, and ducts so your system gets good air circulation. If you have low or no airflow after you clean it, you may have a severe clog that requires a professional’s attention.
- Faulty Thermostat – If your HVAC doesn’t respond to temperature changes correctly, you may have a problem with your thermostat. Double-check and ensure you set it to the correct mode and that your batteries work. You might need to replace it if it doesn’t work after these fixes.
- Flood Damage – Florida’s wet season can cause water to get into and damage your HVAC system. Always elevate your HVAC unit and insulate it from any potential water sources. If you think your unit has flood damage, you need to contact a professional to help because they may have to thoroughly clean and dry your system or replace damaged parts.
- Heating Not Working – If your heating system doesn’t kick on when you turn it on, you could have a dirty system or a faulty part. Check your filters and clean or replace them if it’s dirty or clogged. If this doesn’t solve it, consult a professional to diagnose your problem.
- Unit Making Noise – Loud, sudden noises from your HVAC system are usually a sign that you have broken or loose parts. You can tighten any visible loose parts to see if this solves your problem, but if it doesn’t, consider calling an expert to investigate.
Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips
Fall is the perfect time to give your HVAC system a good once-over and take on essential maintenance tasks. Here are some handy fall HVAC tips to prepare your system for the fall season:
- Adjust Thermostats – Adjust the thermostat settings as it gets colder. A programmable thermostat can help you keep your home comfortable and reduce your energy expenses.
- Change Detector Batteries – Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries in the fall, as they’re critical for your family’s safety, especially when the heat is running.
- Changing Air Filters – Many common HVAC issues involve dirty or clogged filters. As a general rule, you want to change them every 90 days, but you may have to change them sooner if you have allergies or pets.
- Clean Outdoor Unit – Your outdoor unit can collect dirt, leaves, and debris during the summer, making it harder for the HVAC to work. You want to clean weeds and debris from around the unit as part of your fall HVAC checklist to remove any obstructions.
- Maintain Air Ducts – Maintaining air ducts is vital to keep your HVAC efficient. Ensure there are no obstructions and they’re clean, and schedule an annual inspection with a technician.
- Remove Window Units – If you have window air conditioning, remove them in the fall and store them to stop cold air from leaking around them into the house.
- Replace Weatherstripping – Weatherstripping keeps warm air inside and cold air out, so make a point to check the seals around your windows or doors and replace any worn-out pieces you see.
- Test Heating – Test the heating system before it gets cold by switching it on and listening for odd noises. If the system doesn’t warm up, schedule a check-up.
Why You Should Schedule Bi-annual Maintenance
Ideally, you’ll schedule maintenance for your HVAC system yearly to make it last and work well. Regular inspections by a technician will ensure that your system is running well, saving you money on your energy bills. Also, these tune-ups help find minor problems before they become big ones. This could save you from expensive and inconvenient repairs or replacements in the future. This preventative approach makes your HVAC system last longer and ensures you have a comfortable and healthy place to live all year.
Upgrade Your Comfort: Consider a New Thermostat
Fall HVAC maintenance involves regular check-ups, addressing common issues, and embracing potential upgrades, such as a new thermostat. Today’s thermostats go beyond primary temperature control, offering automated adjustments, energy-saving features, and smart home integration. Visit Ierna’s Heating & Cooling for a selection of modern thermostats. Prioritize your HVAC system now for a cozy, worry-free fall.