Read these 5 helpful tips for maintaining your A/C system now that the fall weather is here.
Equipment maintenance is like exercise, the longer you put if off the more difficult it becomes to keep things moving!
That’s why we believe that the best way to extend the lifespan of your heating and air equipment is to perform regular maintenance. One way to remember to regularly tune up your equipment is to perform maintenance and inspections every season.
If you only tune up your HVAC equipment twice a year, spring and fall are great times to perform these tasks, preparing your system for the summer and winter when the temperatures will be the most extreme.
To prepare for winter, you will want to have your heater inspected, cleaned and maintained well this fall. Berner A/C & Heat is currently offering a great deal on a fall heater tune-up special, which includes a comprehensive tune-up and safety inspection for your equipment. Click here to view our current specials.
However, if you just want to be better educated about how to care for your A/C system, or are the “do it yourself” type and would rather perform all of the inspecting and tune-up responsibilities yourself, please take all of the necessary safety precautions as you follow the A/C and heater maintenance tips below.
Tip #1 – Clear Away Leaves and Other Debris
When most people think of fall, they picture beautiful, colorful leaves drifting down to the ground. While these falling leaves may create a great view, they can be bad news for your heating and air equipment.
When inspecting your outdoor unit, one of the first steps will be to clean out all leaves, sticks and other debris that can build up.
Tip #2 – Inspecting the System
One of the primary purposes of these inspections is to identify and correct problem areas in the equipment before they are able to become more serious and/or costly. A large portion of the fall maintenance process will be inspecting and evaluating all of the various parts of the heating system, whether you use gas, electric or a heat pump system.
This includes inspecting the blower motor and wheel, the heat exchanger, burners, heat strips, reversing valves and any other applicable structures that are vital to the heating equipment. To ensure that there are no safety problems and that the equipment is running as efficiently as possible, this is a good opportunity to check the voltage, amperage, circuit board, electrical terminals and wiring.
If you are not familiar with how these systems are meant to operate, it can obviously be very difficult for you to inspect them for efficiency and functionality. Fortunately, having a professional take care of the inspection for you is a very inexpensive option.
Tip #3 – Checking for Leaks
When you are ready to use your heating systems as the temperatures drop, you do not want any of that heat to go to waste due to air leaks. Your fall A/C and heating system maintenance should include checking ducts and returns for leaks, and creating a completely sealed and efficient system.
Tip #4 – Change the Air Filter
Your air filter must be changed frequently, and your fall tune-up can be a great reminder to check the filter. When the filter becomes clogged and dirty, air is not able to flow through the heater, and the heater is forced to work harder than it should. This can lead to inefficiency and disrepair.
The DIY Network explains that it is important to install the new filter in the correct orientation, with the arrow on the filter pointing toward the furnace. The filter you use will likely provide installation instructions that you can follow.
Tip #5 – Carbon Monoxide Safety Inspection
Winter is a time of year when people spend more time indoors. Since this is the case, it is important to ensure that your indoor air quality is safe and healthy. When performing maintenance on your heating equipment this fall, it is wise to take this opportunity to check for carbon monoxide in your home.
