As the crisp air of fall sets in, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the seasonal change. Proper HVAC maintenance in the fall can improve efficiency, extend the lifespan of your system, and ensure comfort during the cooler months ahead. In this ultimate fall HVAC maintenance checklist, we’ll guide you through essential steps for both your air conditioning and heating systems, helping you avoid costly repairs and keep your home cozy all season long. Let’s dive into these vital maintenance tasks!
Fall air conditioning checklist
Most people wonder why air conditioning maintenance is recommended in the fall when they probably won’t be using it again until the warmer months. However, it’s best to clean and service your AC system after it has spent all summer working to keep your home cool and comfortable. Skipping HVAC maintenance in the fall can lead to unexpected and costly repairs when you’re ready to begin using your system again.
Inspect the ducts
Getting the ductwork in your home is important, especially after a summer that brought hot and humid conditions. The heat and humidity can cause moisture to build in your ducts, which can potentially lead to the growth of mold and other organic toxins and cause health problems in your home.
Clean drain lines and pans
It’s important to make sure there is no standing water in the drain lines or pans as it can lead to the growth of mildew and mold. The drain lines should also be inspected for blockages so you don’t get unexpected water leaks and back ups when you turn the system on in the spring.
Check refrigerant
The fall is a great time to check the AC’s refrigerant charge. If it is low, that is usually a good indicator that there may be a leak. It’s better to locate and repair a leak now, that way you can ensure your home will be filled with cool air on that first hot day.
Inspect belts and pulleys
The fall is a great opportunity to have the parts in your air conditioning system inspected and replaced if needed. For example, having a worn belt that sits through winter without any activity is more likely to break when the system starts back up.
Clean the coils
It’s important to check the air conditioner’s coils for built-up grime. Grime not only causes corrosion to the coil but also causes the entire AC system to lose efficiency. Letting dirt, debris, and other grime sit on the coils over the winter could potentially cause coil damage and refrigerant leaks and could lead to higher energy bills, more breakdowns, and a decreased life span of your air conditioning system.
Fall Heating Checklist
Compared to the fall air conditioning checklist above, there is more to consider when it comes to HVAC maintenance. Heating maintenance tasks can depend on the type of system you have, how it’s fueled, and how much heat is needed in your residential or commercial building. When in doubt, you can always contact a professional HVAC service.
Check duct insulation
Over time, ducts can become damaged. As your home or business ages, insulation materials can become damaged or deteriorated from climate change and moisture. When ducts are damaged heat escapes out of leaks, never getting the areas you expect it to. Since the heat doesn’t reach the desired areas and affects the room temperature, the heating system works harder to warm your space, spiking energy costs. It can also cause more wear on the system and lead to a breakdown.
Check the electric
An entire heating system can be brought down by a simple failure of a wire or conductor. Ensure that all the electrical parts, wiring, and connections are in good condition so you can stay warm when the cold weather moves in.
Change filters
If you have filters that serve both the heating and air conditioning systems, you should seriously consider replacing them to avoid exposing contaminants that can cause damage to your entire system. If your filter is dirty or clogged, your furnace has to work harder and run longer to heat your home, wasting energy and wearing out your system in the process. New filters will allow adequate air flow and better air quality, so it is important to replace them before, or at the beginning of the heating season.
Inspect equipment
Like with air conditioner maintenance, you will want to inspect the heating systems belts and pulleys that are connected to the motor housing and blower. Again, belts and pulleys can wear down over time, and if they have been idle for a few months they could break when the system starts up, leaving you without heat.
You’ll also want to check the operation of the motors and blower fans. The blower plays a critical role in your heating system. Inspect the fans for grime and ensure that the motor is operating normally. Grime covered fans and a sluggish motor can end up causing costly damage to your system. Be sure to inspect all parts and make sure they are cleaned, lubricated, and in good working condition.
Fine-Tune Thermostats
If your thermostat is reading the wrong temperature it will be difficult to get your home comfortable. And, you could end up causing stress on your system by frequently readjusting it. Make sure that your thermostats are working properly, and that its temperature matches the one in the room, before the beginning of the heating season.
Choose Tri-Elite Advisors HVAC for all of your fall HVAC maintenance needs
The winter months are right around the corner, be sure you get your heating system maintenance in the fall so that you can stay warm. If you need air conditioning, heating or furnace maintenance, contact the professionals at Tri-Elite Advisors HVAC! Our team can ensure that your heating and cooling system will be working as effectively and efficiently as possible, right in time for winter. Contact the experts at Tri-Elite Advisors HVAC for all of your furnace and heating system needs!