If you own a home with an HVAC unit, then this time of year is especially important for you. With the changing seasons comes a changing weather pattern, and it’s important to prepare your HVAC unit so that it can continue to provide you with comfort throughout the whole year.
Here are ten tips to help get your HVAC unit ready for another season of cool air:
#1) Change the Outdoor Unit Filter
The first thing you should do when preparing an HVAC unit for a season change is replacing the outdoor unit filter. The more often you use your air conditioner, the filthier the filter becomes over time. Not only will replacing or cleaning your outdoor unit filter improve its ability to work well during hot summer months, but dirty filters make your indoor unit work harder during the heating months to remove warm air.
#2) Check for Obstructions
Once you’ve replaced your outdoor unit filter, check to see if there are any obstructions that could be affecting the flow of air into or out of your HVAC system. Things like dirt and snow can get stuck in front of vents and cause a disruption in airflow, leading to decreased comfort and efficiency. It’s crucial to keep the outside unit unobstructed so that it can distribute cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.
#3) Check for Dirty Filters
Before you turn your HVAC system on, check the filters inside your home. If they’re dirty or clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair, or other debris, then they will just recirculate the dusty, dirty air into your living spaces. It’s important to replace or clean them before turning on your system to make sure you get a comfortable indoor environment throughout both seasons of operation. You may even want to consider getting air purifiers for your home if you suffer from allergies.
#4) Clean the Outdoor Unit
Once you’ve done all of that, it’s time to clean the outdoor unit with a garden hose and mild detergent. Be sure not to damage any electrical components when using water, but cleaning out dirt and debris will help your indoor units work more efficiently during heating or cooling periods down the road by avoiding blockages like rust or mineral deposits. You can also check for safety devices like freeze protection switches in order to ensure that everything is safe before turning on your system.
#5) Change the Filter on Ventilation Fans
Changing the filter on ventilation fans doesn’t have anything to do directly with preparing an HVAC system, but it’s an important step to take nonetheless. By replacing old dusty filters, you can keep your home smelling fresh and avoid dirty buildup on fan components that will reduce airflow. Filters should be swapped out at least twice a year.
#6) Do the Final Check
Before turning on your HVAC unit for the first time this season, give it one last check with your fingertips for cold or hot spots around exterior vents or registers where the air is being distributed through your building. If you feel any areas of warmth or coolness, they are most likely due to issues with pressure balance, so it’s best to consult with an experienced professional to find out what they are and how to fix them before turning on your system. A properly functioning HVAC system is crucial for your home’s comfort.
#7) Check the Temperature Sensors
Finally, check the temperature sensors inside of your indoor units to ensure that they are communicating accurately with the outdoor unit. If any air registers or vents don’t feel like they’re blowing at an even temperature throughout then, there may be a problem with how the outside unit is reading the signals given off by your HVAC thermostat. It might also mean that something is obstructing airflow in one area, so you’ll need to address both problems to get back some balance and efficiency.
#8) Keep Your Unit Working Well
The best way to ensure your HVAC system will work well throughout the season is to keep it properly maintained and free of obstructions. Dirty filters and dirty outside units can really negatively impact how your system performs. Regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings can help you maintain a comfortable indoor climate all year round with minimal issues. The more attention you pay to this step, the less time and money you’ll have to spend on repairs down the line.
#9) Set Your Thermostat to Auto
When you’re not at home during the day, it’s best to set your thermostat on auto in order to save money. This way, it will start warming up the house ahead of your arrival or cooling off before you come back from work. You can even set up an automatic schedule for when this process should take place, so everything is ready for when you get back.
#10) Make Sure It’s Not Too Hot or Cold Inside
Last but not least, make sure that there aren’t any hot or cold spots throughout your building. If there are, they probably mean that something is obstructing airflow, whether it be a dirty filter, dirty unit outside, broken fan blade, etc. Check all of your registers and vents, don’t forget the ones on the ceiling, and address any issues that you find to keep things nice and balanced before turning on your system.
Contact a Professional For Assistance
If you are still feeling unsure about how to prepare your HVAC unit for the season change, are having issues with hot or cold spots throughout your building, or have other concerns that need investigation, then it’s time to contact a professional. A professional HVAC technician can help you determine if there is an issue with your system, and they can also clean out any debris in the outside unit so it will work more efficiently once turned on. These professionals will be able to provide you with step-by-step instructions for preparing your HVAC system before turning it on down the road so that everything is safe, efficient, and effective.