Top 10 Fall and Winter HVAC Maintenance Tips

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With the weather getting cooler, now is the right time to conduct your routine HVAC maintenance.

While it is necessary to replace the filters a few times in a year, fall and winter is considered the best time to perform HVAC cleaning and maintenance. 

Doing so will go a long way in helping your system work flawlessly as you transition into the colder months and then the summer – when you will need your HVAC system the most. 

Timely heating and air conditioning service is highly effective in ensuring that your unit stays in good shape and functions properly, in turn, helping you avoid high energy and repair costs. 

This post will present some effective fall HVAC maintenance tips to ensure that your home’s indoor temperature is always comfortable.

1.    Change Dirty Filters

Replacing dirty air filters with new clean ones is one of the most important steps to ensure proper HVAC maintenance. Air filters can become dirty within a short span of time, which is why you need to check and change them at regular intervals. This, in turn, will ensure that you get to breathe clean indoor air. Apart from replacing dirty filters, you should change worn-out belts and pulleys. 

2.    Clean the Vents

Before the temperature drops further, it is important that you check your HVAC vents for the presence of dust and debris, which may have accumulated over the previous months. This is crucial as even a tiny amount of dust buildup can seriously hamper your system’s performance, and force it to work harder than usual to warm your home. This not only lowers its efficiency, but also results in higher utility costs. 

3.    Clear out Ducts

If dust and debris continue to accumulate in your air conditioning system’s ducts, it will start to perform inefficiently. In fact, ignoring this problem may need you get major AC ducting repair jobs done later on, which can be costly. Not to mention, it will also negatively affect your and your family’s health.   

It is, therefore, non-negotiable to examine, clean, and remove any dirt from the ducts and airways. This will facilitate unhindered airflow into your rooms, making them comfortable and hygienic to live in. You should also clean the blades and check if the blower motor is functioning properly for maximum cost-efficiency. 

4.    Get Rid of Moisture

Apart from dust, moisture is another enemy of your HVAC unit and should be removed from your HVAC unit as quickly as possible. If the coils are clogged with moisture and debris, make sure to clean them before they cause any damage to the unit. 

Further, moisture can lead to mold growth, which can ruin the air quality in your home over time. This can cause allergies and other breathing problems among the residents. 

5.    Protect the Outdoor Unit

While you may be proactive in taking care of the indoor components of your HVAC unit, don’t forget about the outdoor unit. It undergoes immense wear as it is exposed to all sorts of environmental and weather elements, and should be protected. 

Further, leaves can get stuck in the outdoor unit, making it a potential fire hazard. Pollen and twigs may also gather and damage the unit, resulting in higher HVAC repair costs. 

You should keep outdoor and/or rooftop units protected, but never wrap them in air-tight materials. This is because if moisture gets trapped inside the unit, it can get damaged due to rust and corrosion. It is best to invest in a suitable protective covering for the outdoor unit, which can safeguard it from rain, snow, and animals, while allowing moisture to escape. 

6.    Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat can reveal whether or not your HVAC is in good condition. If it responds as desired and displays the temperature accurately, you have nothing to worry about. In case you use a programmable thermostat, have it inspected at the time of performing heating repair. Review your settings to ensure that they’re in keeping with the weather changes.

7.    Remove Clogs from Condenser Drain Line

Even a small clog in the condensate drain line can potentially spell doom for your HVAC system. If you can access your condensate drain line, try pouring a solution of water and bleach through it to prevent the formation of clogs therein. If you think the drain line is already blocked, it is best to reach out to a heating and air conditioning repairprofessional for help. Of course, regular maintenance of the drains can help prevent clogs in the first place. 

8.    Insulate Your Attic

While insulating your attic doesn’t directly affect your HVAC’s physical parts, it can go a long way in helping your HVAC system remain in top condition by lowering its load.  

Insulating the attic can retain warm air inside the house while preventing it from escaping outside. This means your HVAC can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overworking itself. 

According to ENERGY STAR, a thorough visual inspection can help you determine whether or not your attic is adequately insulated. They advise that insulation in the attic should be high enough to barricade the view of the floor joists. They also state that “if your attic insulation covers your joists and is distributed evenly, you probably have enough.”

9.    Replace Your Old Unit

If your HVAC system is old and ineffective, you might want to consider replacing it entirely. While replacement may seem like an expensive proposition, it will help you save money in the long term as you won’t have to shell out on frequent and expensive HVAC repair services. Moreover, your home will be more comfortable. 

As per the US Department of Energy, “Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.” If your system’s age is around 10 years or more, it is highly recommended to have it inspected by a reliable HVAC company in Utah.

10. Schedule Regular Maintenance 

There’s no denying that routine HVAC maintenance can be immensely helpful in ensuring the upkeep of your system. Additionally, it is a good idea to have an HVAC services provider conduct a thorough check-up of your unit to identify any impending issues and nip them in the bud. 

Heating and cooling systems comprise sophisticated parts, which demand care and maintenance to perform well. It is, therefore, best to entrust this job to a trustworthy HVAC company in Utah. They’re skilled in this aspect and provide the necessary HVAC services to ensure your heating system keeps your indoor surroundings cozy throughout the year. 

Further, regular professional HVAC maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your unit and keep your energy costs low. 

Conclusion

As the mercury dips in the fall season, your home’s HVAC becomes the most important piece of equipment that keeps you and your family warm and comfortable. At the same time, it’s no secret that the heating cost is among the major contributors towards your household’s energy bills. Regular maintenance and service are key to ensure that your unit functions optimally throughout the year, while minimizing energy consumption. Make it a point to follow the above tips to keep your system in peak working condition. Of course, you can also have an air conditioning service professional inspect and fine-tune your system twice a year for the best results. Try out our convenient Club Membership Service and leave the maintenance to Perform Heating and Cooling of Bountiful.