It’s hard to believe but the kids will be going back to school before we know it. That means the weather will be cooling off soon and it will be time to think of putting the air conditioner to rest and cranking up your heating system. You could be getting ready for that change with a little HVAC maintenance right now, so you’re not too overwhelmed when its time to buckle down with back-to-school preparations.
Here are some of the high points of standard fall HVAC maintenance.
Clean Around the Compressor
You won’t be turning the A/C on for a while, but it doesn’t hurt to clean around it so that leaves don’t blow inside it. Trim grass, weeds, shrub limbs and overhanging tree branches. A covered compressor can make a cozy habitation for rodents, and can promote excess moisture, which can corrode. It’s better to just cover the top (don’t cover up more than the top six inches of the sides) to keep out leaves and other debris during the fall. The unit is actually built to withstand harsh weather, including rain and snow.
Change the Air Filter
A fall air filter change will help protect your furnace from dirt and other debris. If you use good quality pleated filters, you may not need to change except every three months; cheap filters should be changed at least once a month. If you have shedding pets or burn candles, you should probably change even your good quality filters more often.
Check your Home for Air Leaks
Sealing your home to keep conditioned air in and unconditioned air out will save you a lot of money on your utility bills. Check around windows, door frames, the attic hatch, electric switches and outlets, and recessed lighting for air leaks. Fix leaks with caulk, weatherstripping or insulation.
Above all, schedule your annual fall furnace inspection with your HVAC company. They can replace worn parts and fix minor repairs before they become major breakdowns. Have your HVAC check the ductwork also.
For more on HVAC maintenance, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Indianapolis.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
