Fall HVAC Tips
Is your Furnace and Air Conditioner ready for Fall in Ohio? Here are 3 Quick Tips to Get Ready!
Autumn is on its way, and a good chill is going to ride in with the season. There is no better time to start prepping your heating and cooling system. No one is saying that you must rush just yet, but you do not want to wait too long. Besides, winter has a sneaky way of creeping up on you, and you do not want to get caught with a heating and cooling system that does not work as it should when those temperatures drop.
The furnace and the AC system are complex pieces of machinery that need to be taken care of from time to time. It would be a dream if these machines were self-maintaining, but they are not. The key for proper functioning and longevity is making sure you do not overlook proper maintenance. The following are a few tips to help prepare the furnace and AC for the fall before the winter hits.
Furnace Filters Need to be Addressed
The first thing that homeowners need to pay attention to is the furnace’s filters. Homeowners who have a humidifier will need to pay attention to this piece of equipment, too. It may sound intimidating to change the filters of a furnace, but it is not too hard. Many homeowners, especially ones who want to save a buck, learn how to do this on their own. It should be noted that filters usually must be changed monthly, so it pays to learn how to do it without any assistance.
Changing filters becomes quite vital, especially during winter when homeowners do not open their doors and windows much. This means homeowners rely heavily on filters to keep their indoor air quality good. It should be noted that changing filters at the right time ensures that the machine is not overworked, which helps improve its longevity and reduce the amount of power it uses at a time.
Cleaning Inside the Furnace and the AC
The next thing homeowners need to consider doing is cleaning the inside of the AC and furnace. These machines can accumulate air pollutants, especially when they are not cleaned often. A homeowner needs to clean the AC coils and fans. The furnace’s block assembly should also be cleaned routinely, especially before the winter hits. The best thing about engaging in this task is that homeowners simply must use a clean damp cloth to deal with this.
Of course, homeowners need to unplug their machines to make sure that the power is off before cleaning these units. It is important to use care when cleaning the sharp edges of these machines, like the fans or the coils of the AC. Homeowners can also use a brush to remove any dust that might have gotten caked on the surfaces of the units. Caked on dirt usually happens if these machines have not been cleaned for some time. Some homeowners use a little vacuum to deal with the cracks or crevices of their machines. Of course, homeowners can simply hire a professional if they feel uncomfortable performing any part of this task.
Cleaning the Ducts
The reason ducts must be cleaned up is to get rid of dust and allergens that might get stuck within the ducts. Most homeowners cannot clean ducts on their own, so this might have to be done by a professional. The ducts are tucked deep in the furnace and AC systems, but making sure the ducts are clean ensures efficient air flow. It also makes sure that homeowners do not have to deal with allergens that could cause allergies. Hopefully, these tips help homeowners get ready for the coming season.