At the turn of the season, it’s best to inspect your HVAC system to ensure it’s functioning efficiently. Besides HVAC maintenance, there are other ways you can prevent needing a sudden AC repair or furnace repair.
At Surgi’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve compiled some helpful seasonal tips to ensure your unit runs as it should for years to come.
Change Air Filters
Over time, your unit’s air filter can become clogged with dirt and dust. This will decrease your home’s air quality, making for a potentially harmful environment. Poor air quality can be especially dangerous for those with severe asthma or allergies.
Air filters protect your home from:
- Dust
- Pet hair
- Mold
- Pollutants
To maintain good air quality, it’s best to change your air filter every 3 months. Additionally, checking your air filter every 2-3 weeks will help you catch any issues before they evolve into a bigger problem.
Clean Around Outdoor Unit
It’s not only the interior of your HVAC unit you need to be worried about. If the outside of your unit becomes cluttered with dirt or leaves, it may be difficult to notice when a problem is present. It’s best to clean the outside of your unit often, clearing away any:
- Twigs
- Leaves
- Dirt
- Tall grass
- Shrubs
If not removed, these may also attract unwanted pests or lead to internal damage.
Do your best to keep your unit clean, brushing off leaves or trimming any weeds. If you suspect any outdoor elements have snuck into your system, don’t hesitate to contact your local HVAC company to have a technician check for any damage.
Maintain Humidity Levels
Humidity isn’t exclusive to the hot months. Keeping indoor humidity levels at a comfortable and healthy level is essential to your home’s air quality. A technician can inspect these levels during an AC tune-up, but it’s best to check these levels frequently.
Keeping your humidity level at 30 to 50 percent can help prevent problems such as:
- Dry hair and skin
- Growth of mold
- Infestation of pests
- General discomfort
There’s no need for any major HVAC installations. A dehumidifier may be just what your home needs to keep its humidity levels in check and maintain the cleanliness and comfort of your home.
Adjust Thermostat
As the temperature outside changes, so should the temperature inside. This may seem like an obvious step to any new season, but it’s an important one homeowners often forget. Neglecting to adjust your thermostat may result in a spike in energy bills.
When your thermostat isn’t appropriately adjusted, your unit may work harder to maintain the temperature. This not only uses more energy, but it may make your home feel too warm or too cool.
A programmable thermostat can make this step easier. Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit for fall. This will vary depending on the climate, so set your HVAC system to the appropriate temperature to make for an inexpensive and comfortable season.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
HVAC maintenance is the number one thing you can do to maintain the efficiency of your unit no matter the season. Tune-ups should be performed twice every year, ideally before the fall and spring to prep your system for the months it’ll work hardest.
Tune-ups offer many benefits to you and your HVAC unit, including but not limited to:
- Improved air quality
- Lower energy bills
- Extended system lifespan
- Breakdown prevention
- Increased efficiency
Best of all, routine maintenance can save you money on repairs or replacements in the long run. A technician can catch small problems before they turn into big ones. Don’t wait for a disaster. Schedule a tune-up before the temperature takes a dip.
Turn to the HVAC Experts
At Surgi’s Heating and AC, we encourage homeowners to schedule tune-ups before the freezing winter months and the searing summer months. Our skilled technicians know just what to look for to ensure your system is ready for anything.
We’ll clean and inspect every moving part of your air conditioning or furnace. Our first priority is making sure your system works efficiently year-round. Contact us today!
