Now that the kids are back in school and fall and winter holidays quickly approaching, now’s the perfect time to perform your routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system. The last thing you want is to have your furnace break down in the middle of winter, so we’ve come up with 5 tips to help prepare your HVAC system for the fall and winter seasons! Heating and cooling accounts for around half (48%) of the total energy use in a typical home, easily making it the largest energy expense. By taking the necessary steps into making sure your HVAC system is working properly, you could potentially significantly reduce your HVAC system’s energy consumption. Check out our tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for the fall and winter seasons, and give us a call to schedule your preventative maintenance, today!
Fall HVAC Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
Let’s starts with your HVAC system. The first step would be to consider the age of your heating and cooling system. Did you know your heating systems that are more than 10 years old are only 40-60 % efficient? This issue can lead to higher energy bills and a heating issue within your house. If your HVAC system is on its last legs, consider calling an expert from C&C Myers to help replace your HVAC system. An expert from our team can help tell you find the best option for you.
- Clean or Change Your Air Filters
When was the last time you’ve replaced your air filters? Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system. If you have not cleaned or changed the air filters of your system for a while, fall is the perfect time to do it! You should replace your air filters every 3 months, but better late than never! Replacing your air filters will help increase efficiency in your unit!
Best to inspect your air filter every month to see if it is dirty or clogged. If you aren’t sure which air filter to use you can either check your owner’s manual or call an expert from C&C Myers to come out and inspect your system!
- Clean and Unblock All Vents and Registers
Small, but a mighty. Cleaning and unblocking your vents should not be taken for granted or overlooked. Make sure you take a minute to go around your home and make sure all of your return and supply vents are clean and clear. Double check that none of them are blocked by rugs, furniture, or closed off in any way.
Taking some time to clean your vents of any dust that may have gathered helps prevent the dirt and dust from entering your HVAC system and circulating around your home.
- Reprogram the Thermostat
When you start transitioning from cooling to heating, it’s a good idea to reprogram your thermostat. You can save a lot of money with a smart or programmable thermostat — you just have to make sure it’s set properly.
When you’re not at home lower the thermostat temperature to save some money and energy. You’re able to save “1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long” (U.S. DOE).
- Professional HVAC Inspection
Have you serviced your HVAC system for the fall + winter period? Whether you are a homeowner or a property manager, you will need to find a reliable HVAC professional to help you service your HVAC system. A well maintained and serviced HVAC system is highly efficient in both its functionality and energy consumption.
For maximum efficiency you should inspect your HVAC system at least twice a year, once in the fall for the heating system and once in the spring for the cooling system. The inspection is meant to detect any potential problems and ensure that the HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible.
