Your A/C unit worked hard all summer long to keep you cool, but now fall is upon us. In this blog post, the most trusted experts in HVAC Montgomery County, PA has to offer share tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for fall.
Change Air Filters
One of the most important things you can do is also one of the easiest. Air filters need to be replaced frequently or cleaned if they are reusable. Dust, pollen and other contaminants can build up and clog filters. This impedes airflow. Dirty filters also decrease indoor air quality and make your unit work harder than it needs to. Changing/cleaning filters before switching to heating ensures maximum efficiency, reducing strain on your unit.
Not sure whether it’s time to clean or replace an air filter? Hold it up to the light – the light should pass through easily. If your filter is blocking out light, it’s likely also blocking airflow. How often you need to replace/clean filters can vary depending on your household, where you live and how many pets you have. Doing so at least once every 90 days is generally a good rule of thumb.
Clean Air Vents and Registers
Air vents and registers can become clogged with debris like dust build-up and nesting materials from insects or rodents. Like dirty air filters, this can impede airflow and decrease indoor air quality. It’s a good idea to check these and wipe them down to clean off any contaminants that might end up circulating throughout your home.
Check Your Outdoor Unit
The fall may be adored for the way trees change color and shed leaves, but this presents potential problems for your outdoor unit. Debris from foliage can clog your system, which greatly impedes efficiency. In the fall especially, it’s important to clear away dead leaves, twigs or branches and cut back surrounding shrubbery to allow enough space around the unit for proper airflow. You can also rinse your unit off with a garden hose, just be sure it’s fully turned off at the source.
Schedule a Tune-Up
It’s a good idea to schedule a system tune-up in the fall, before you really start depending on your unit to heat your home. A professional HVAC technician can clean your system, inspect it for potential problems and replace worn parts before they cause problems.
Kinkaid proudly serves Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repair on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Contact us today to get started!