By AJ Danboise
Fall has officially arrived in Southern Michigan, bringing with it a welcome lull in temperatures. With cooler days and even colder nights, your air conditioner is finally able to get a break from the hot summer months, but don’t send your HVAC system into hibernation yet. The subtle decrease in temperatures is the perfect time of year to prepare your HVAC system for the heating season. These 8 easy steps will ensure your HVAC system is ready to deliver when the winter months arrive.
Step 1: Check and replace your air filters.
Regularly checking and replacing HVAC filters is one of the most important things you can do to ensure the system’s longevity and prevent breakdowns. Change air filters at least every 3 months. For allergy sufferers or homes with pets, change filters more frequently.
Check your air filters every 2 to 3 weeks to make sure they are functioning properly. Improperly functioning air filters can prevent a home from heating or cooling adequately and efficiently, taxing your system and increasing costs.
Step 2: Clean your outdoor unit.
This fall, check your outdoor unit for debris and damage. Trim any tall grass, shrubs, or trees that have grown too close to the exterior unit before winter weather arrives. Then, clean the unit by switching it off and rinsing out dirt, twigs, and any other debris with a garden hose.
This is also a good time to notice if there is any damage or debris that is hard to remove from your outdoor unit. For damage or anything unusual, call AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical and speak to one of our HVAC professionals.
Step 3: Clean your air ducts and vents.
Air ducts and vents are responsible for circulating air throughout your house. To make sure the air in your home is being properly filtered and circulated, regularly clean your air ducts and vents and have all of the registers open. Obstructed air ducts force HVAC systems to work harder, decreasing both efficiency and lifespan.
To get your air ducts and vents ready for fall, check to make sure all of the registers are open and that they are not covered or obstructed by furniture, drapery, or other items. Then, vacuum any visible dust from your air ducts and vents. Use a wet cloth to remove any dust left behind by the vacuum.
Step 4: Find and seal any possible air leaks.
Air leaks are the number one cause of inefficiency in HVAC systems. Check windows and doors for any air that might be coming through. Apply weather stripping to windows and doors to seal them from air leaks. If you consistently feel some rooms are warmer or cooler than others, the air leak may be coming from your ventilation ducts. One of our HVAC professionals at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can help you identify the leak and prepare your home for the heating season.
Step 5: Examine furnace burners and blowers.
Fall is the perfect time to test the furnace to make sure it is working properly before relying on it in the winter months. Before turning your furnace, check for any dust or obstruction that may have accumulated over the warm summer months.
Then test the furnace and burners to make sure they are working properly. If you notice anything unusual, call AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for a furnace inspection to make sure your HVAC system is ready to heat before the colder months are here.
Step 6: Program your thermostat.
Weather patterns change frequently in the fall in Southern Michigan causing a range of temperatures. This is a great time to invest in a programmable thermostat, if you have not already. Programmable thermostats change based on the outside temperature, helping your HVAC system work more efficiently. With the constant fluctuation in temperatures as seasons change, a programmable thermostat extends your system’s life and saves money on heating and cooling bills.
Step 7: Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance.
Before the colder winter months set in ensure your HVAC unit is functioning properly with a professional HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance will make sure your system is functioning properly and efficiently when you need it the most.
Step 8: Test it out.
The final step to getting your HVAC ready for fall in Southern Michigan is to test it out. Once the equipment has been cleaned, inspected, and the settings have been adjusted, test the system to make sure that it is working properly.
Don’t get caught in the cold this winter! Use these steps to make sure your HVAC system is ready to function properly and efficiently before you need it most this winter. If you notice anything unusual, we, at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can help! Contact us today at (248) 477-3626 for all your fall preparation needs!
