Did you know the first day of the Fall Season for 2021 is September 22? That’s just around the corner! As the warm weather starts to fade and the seasons change, you should start to think about what you need to do to prepare HVAC unit for the Fall Season and scheduling that seasonal maintenance before the season arrives. Why? Well, in order to keep your system in good condition and prolong its lifespan, two maintenance operations are essential: one in the Spring and one at the beginning of the Fall.
Keep reading for a checklist of tasks to complete this month in order to prepare your unit for the cold season.
Remove Debris from Around the Unit
One of the biggest issues with HVAC units during Fall is a blockage or lowered function due to a large amount of sticks and leaves in and around the unit. As leaves start falling off the trees, winds intensify, and debris scatter everywhere, you will want to take a look at your unit to make sure that there are no clogs in the vents or drains.
We suggest regularly raking the dead leaves on the ground around the unit and gather any stray branches that tend to get into the pipe openings, grids, etc.
Replace Your Air Filters
Replacing your air filters is the most important part of ensuring that your HVAC unit can properly do its job. You should be replacing your air filters every few months, but after the summer season is one of the most important times. Chances are, you’ve had the air conditioner on full-blast during these hotter months, which means your filters are probably very well-used by now.
Replacing your filters not only helps your unit function better, but it keeps the air inside your home clean for you and your family.
Test the Heat
After changing your air filters, now is a great time to test the heat to make sure that you won’t run into any unexpected issues when it comes time to switch it on! So, before your system gets put to use full-time heating your home, switch the setting on your thermostat to heat.
Once you’ve set your thermostat to heat, check that the outdoor unit has kicked on and warm air is blowing from your vents. It might take some time to start going, so, give it about a half-hour. If nothing changes, give us a call!
It’s also noteworthy that many people call about a “burning smell” coming through the vents when they turn the heat on. This is usually a normal occasion as the accumulated dust gets heated and it should go away within an hour or so. HOWEVER if it does not go away or you smell gas or oil, turn the heat off right away and call a professional for help. This is probably a sign of a big issue with your system.
Schedule an HVAC Maintenance
Just like most things in life, your system will need a check-up and a little bit of extra care from time to time – especially in the Fall season. It saves you to have maintenance such as pipe insulation, deep cleaning of the vents with an industrial vacuum, leaks checking and sealing in the ducts, and other fine-tuning projects done before it puts too much stress on your unit.
Do You Need an Expert to Prepare Your HVAC for the Fall?
We are Twin Air, LLC, a certified, family-owned HVAC service company operating in Manassas and North Virginia. We can help you prepare your HVAC unit for the Fall, check its health, and perform maintenance or repairs, with affordable prices and high-quality services.
Contact us now to schedule a check-up or to ask any questions you may have about your HVAC system.