Fall and Spring are the perfect time to prepare your HVAC for the transition that comes with the change of seasons. This transition can be hard on your system, but performing regular maintenance throughout the year keeps it in tiptop shape and helps avoid problems. Don’t wait for the first heat wave of the summer or cold front of the winter; check the condition of your system before it’s time to switch from heating to cooling or vice versa.
To help your system make a smooth transition from season to season, there are few things you can do:
Replace Air Filters
It is recommended that the HVAC air filter be changed every three months. Doing this helps reduce energy bills and avoid damage to your HVAC.
Check for Moisture
Moisture on the inside of windows could indicate incorrect levels of refrigerant or blockage in the ductwork. Contact a technician if this is the case.
Clean Indoor & Outdoor Unit
Prune nearby trees and shrubbery away from the outside unit. Plants growing too close to the unit can inhibit air circulation. Clear debris and dust using a shop vac. Remove dust build-up from the indoor unit and vents.
Inspect Ductwork and Vents
Look for loose connections, gaps, or other damage to ductwork and vents. If you find any problems, call a technician. Quickly repairing any damage will prevent further problems and insure an efficient system. Check to make sure that all vents are unobstructed by furniture, rugs or other objects.
Do a Test Run
Turn on the unit and listen for unusual sounds. Let the unit run for several hours to test whether it is working properly. Be sure to do this before a change of season. If there are issues with the unit, it is better to deal with them before temperature changes. This will reduce the inconvenience of discovering a problem just when the weather gets extreme.
Reprogram Thermostat
Once the temperature starts to change, go ahead and reprogram your thermostats to keep you comfortable. Using a programmable thermostat means added convenience and flexibility for you as well as the opportunity to save on utility bills.
Change Ceiling Fan Direction
Most ceiling fans allow you to switch the direction the blades turn. Changing them to rotate clockwise will create an updraft that redistributes the heat back down into the room. This keeps you comfortable and helps reduce energy consumption.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Once you’ve finished this simple checklist, it is also important to have an HVAC technician do a thorough inspection of your unit. A professional will prepare the unit for seasonal transition by:
- Inspecting coolant levels & pressures, wiring, contacts, capacitors & relays
- Inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coil, condenser, and condensate drain
- Inspecting the outdoor disconnect, condenser fan motor & blades
- Inspecting the compressor at startup
- Checking the thermostat
Premium Maintenance Plans
When seasons change, don’t be caught by surprise by a struggling HVAC. Stay on top of seasonal maintenance. Call Long Heating & Cooling and sign up for one of our Premium Maintenance Plans.