Preparing Your System for Fall
Preparing your system for fall means getting a jump on a few simple maintenance tasks. Not sure about you, but we are ready for some cooler temperatures! This year has set record highs and had all of us running our AC at full blast. Good news is, September is right around the corner, and along with it, all things fall! Cooler temps, scented candles, leaves changing are all things we are looking forward to.
Which brings us to an important question: is your furnace ready to operate like your AC has been? In this article we are going to share five simple tips on how you can get your system ready for fall.
Tip 1: Check Your Air Filters
Ok, we get it. We literally just talked about this in our article on cooling tips for the summer. But, it’s true. The simplest thing anyone can do for their HVAC unit at home that will maximize efficiency is to change the filters. At minimum this should be done twice a year; more often if you have pets or a very dusty house. Having clean air filters means maximum air flow, which means maximum heat in the colder months with minimal output from your furnace.
Tip 2: Seal Air Leaks
Preparing your system for fall entails finding and sealing potential air leaks. Sealing certain leaks, such as those in the ductwork, should be left in the hands of professionals. However, the more obvious, easy to get to leaks such as those around windows and doors can be sealed without professional assistance. Seal those windows! It’ll save a lot of money when the colder temperatures arrive.
Tip 3: Clean Up Your Outdoor Unit
Cleaning your outdoor unit is as important in preparing your system for fall as it is in the springtime. Airflow is everything; chances are, during the summer your unit has become caked with grass trimmings and debris kicked up by storms. Give it a good cleaning. Or, if you’re uncertain about how to best clean your unit, give us a shout.
Tip 4: Check Your Alarms and Detectors
Another essential checklist item to prepare your system for fall is to make sure your detectors are in working order. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that you replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. If you are unsure of when your unit was manufactured, check the manufacture date on the back of the detector. It’s an easy to overlook item, but be sure to check on these!
Tip 5: Schedule a Maintenance Checkup
We have covered several tips on how to prepare your system for fall that you can tackle at home. Brooks Heating and Air has a much more extensive checklist of things to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. And, if you are a member of our Comfort Club, fall and spring checks are included! We encourage you to schedule a system check with us; we think you’ll agree that being a comfort club member more than pays for itself.