6 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Fall
The air is finally feeling crisp for us here in Southern California. We even had our first rainfall of the season. One of the best things about calling this area home is that our winters are notoriously mild. Despite this, there are some simple fall HVAC maintenance tips for fall that will set you up for a warm and cozy winter.
1. Check Thermostat Settings
We’re feeling the temperature dip considerably during the evening and early morning. If you have a programmable thermostat, now is the time to check and reconfigure your settings. One of the best things about programming your thermostat’s setting to the season is that it saves your HVAC system from going into overdrive.
If your thermostat is programmed to keep the house too warm, your HVAC system will be working harder than it needs to. Instead, you can program the times you’ll be out of the house, times you’ll be home, and run the heating accordingly. This also ensures your system isn’t pushing your utility bill higher than it needs to be.
2. Change the Air Filter
At Service Champions we recommend changing your air filter at least twice per year. Once in the spring before it’s time to turn on the AC and once in the fall before you start up the furnace.
The air filter plays two very important roles. First, it keeps dust and other debris from settling in your HVAC system. Too much dust can clog your burners and essential parts of your system. An air filter’s second job is to keep the air in your home clean and safe. Depending on the strength of your air filter, it can catch dust, pollen, dander, allergens, and even kitchen smells.
When an air filter is too full or too dirty it is unable to preform any of these jobs. A dirty air filter also makes it harder for temperature treated air to get into your home, which forces your system to work harder. In turn, this will raise your monthly energy bill.
3. Clean All Vents and Registers
When was the last time you looked at your supply and return vents? One of the biggest mistakes we see homeowners make is blocking their vents with furniture, décor, or carpeting. There was a rumor going around that closing the vents will save you money. On the contrary, closing or blocking your vents will cost you more over the season.
One of our favorite HVAC maintenance tips is to check the vents and registers, and it never hurts to give them a once over with a vacuum or dusting cloth. Over time they can collect debris and eventually send that debris into you HVAC system and around your home.
4. Weatherstrip Your Windows
You can lose between 25% and 30% of your warm air through a drafty window. Since HVAC makes up a considerable amount of your yearly energy use, this is a big deal. The best way to combat this is to weatherstrip your windows.
Though this task may sound daunting, trust us, it’s not. First, conduct an outdoor visual inspection of your windows. If you see any obvious holes, patch them up. The next step is to wait for a windy day. When you’re inside the home, put a piece of tissue paper up to a closed window and see if the paper flutters in the wind. If it does, it’s time to weatherstrip your windows.
5. Clear Things Away from Your Condenser
We all know how the Santa Ana winds whip through Southern California. A great way to prepare your HVAC for fall is to check your outdoor condenser and clean away any debris that may be collecting around it. The nights are getting colder, which could lead to some unwanted critters making it their home.
5. Schedule a Tune-Up
Finally, the most important fall HVAC maintenance tip is to schedule a furnace tune-up. At Service Champions, we recommend a furnace tune-up twice per year. Once before furnace season and once before AC season. During a regular tune-up, our expert HVAC technicians conduct an 18-point tune-up and professional cleaning. All this ensures your furnace is ready for the seasons ahead and fixes and small problems before they become huge hassles.
Want to get your HVAC Ready for Fall and Winter? Call Us Today!
We know Southern California winters are mild compared to most of the country, but no matter what, we’re here to winterize your HVAC system to keep you, and your family, warm and comfortable all season long, and potentially save you thousands of dollars on costly repairs. Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & AC is the only Diamond Certified Plumbing and HVAC company in Southern California. If you’re in Los Angeles, Orange, or Riverside counties, call the number at the top of the screen or click here to schedule an appointment today.