Fall is officially here, which means it won’t be all that long before the weather gets cold enough that you need to start running your heating. Before you turn your heating on, it’s a good idea to take a few steps to make sure it’s ready for the winter weather. You can take some basic steps to make sure your outdoor HVAC is protected and doesn’t potentially get damaged over the winter.
Change the Air Filter
In terms of your HVAC system’s air filter, the general rule of thumb is to change it every three months at a minimum. If you have a reusable filter instead of a disposable filter, you will also want to make sure you wash it once every three months if not more often. Unless you’ve changed or washed the filter within the past month or so, it’s a good idea to do so when you shut your AC off for the year or at least before turning your heating on for the first time. That way you can ensure your heating is ready to go and will work effectively without using more energy than it should.
Changing the filter is especially important if you have a furnace since running it with a dirty, clogged filter can potentially lead to overheating. Overheating is an issue to try to avoid at all costs as it could lead to your furnace’s heat exchanger cracking, in which case your furnace will no longer be safe to use due to the potential for carbon monoxide to leak into your ductwork.
Clean Leaves and Debris From Outdoor HVAC Unit
Once the leaves start to fall, you’ll often notice them piling around your AC condenser or heat pump and sometimes inside the unit, too. Keeping your outdoor unit free from debris ensures air can always flow through it. If the airflow becomes blocked, moisture can build up inside the unit, potentially leading to rust and corrosion. An even bigger issue in this regard is that leaves inside of the unit can retain lots of moisture and create a risk of various components rusting. If you have a heat pump, it’s especially important to clean debris from inside and around it or else it may not heat nearly as effectively as it should.
You normally won’t be able to clean leaves out of the unit yourself since the only way to access its interior is by disconnecting and removing the condenser fan. As such, have a technician perform this task at the same time you have them inspect and service your heating.
Schedule a Professional Maintenance Service
The best way to prepare your HVAC system for the transition to colder weather is to have a certified technician perform a full inspection and maintenance service. Heat pumps and furnaces both have various maintenance tasks that should be performed every year to ensure they can heat effectively and don’t suffer a decrease in energy efficiency. Having your entire heating system maintained every year can also make a huge difference in how long a heat pump or furnace lasts. You can normally get around 15 to 20 years of life out of a furnace or about 10 to 15 years out of a heat pump as long as the unit is properly maintained. Without annual maintenance, the unit could give out a few years before it normally would have.
Another reason to schedule a maintenance appointment before winter arrives is that it reduces the chances of your heating system suddenly not working when you need it most. Various components like the reversing valve in a heat pump or the electronic igniter or flame sensor in a furnace can often fail after five years or so, resulting in the heat pump or furnace no longer working. When inspecting your heating system, a technician will check that all the components are in good shape and not starting to wear out. If they find any issues, they can usually repair them or replace any failing components on the spot to help ensure your heating should continue working all winter long.
Are you searching for a reliable, experienced HVAC company in Douglas? At Chancey Heating & Cooling, we’ve been providing expert heating and air conditioning services since 1956 and are ready to assist with your home comfort needs. Our technicians specialize in heating maintenance and repairs and can service every make and model of furnace, heat pump, air conditioner and ductless mini-split. If you need help ensuring your HVAC is ready for winter, contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
