8 Ways to Get Your HVAC Ready for Fall | Tips from Your Richardson, TX Air Conditioning Service Provider
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It’s Fall in the Richardson, TX area. The leaves have started falling from the trees. The days are shorter and the nights are colder. Fall is officially here. While you need to make sure you’re ready for the seasonal changes by revamping your wardrobe and adjusting your routine, you also need to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the changes in weather.
An HVAC system works to make sure your home as comfortable as you want it, by maintaining a relatively consistent temperature throughout the year. The last thing you want is your air conditioning system to break down in the last days of October when the nights will be freezing here in the Richardson, TX area. In order to avoid facing problems later, make sure to take these precautions and ensure that you have a properly operating system when winter finally hits town:
Clear Out the Debris
Dust and debris can build up inside your HVAC in summer. When fall arrives, it is important to check all of your HVAC vents for signs of dust and debris. Outdoor units of an HVAC system particularly face the brunt of the elements. Each summer they get covered in grime, pollen and twigs and obstruct the flow of air to the inside of your HVAC system. This problem is exacerbated in the fall season. Although the orange leaves falling from the trees in autumn make for a visual delight, they prove to be a hazard for your HVAC system. Some of these leaves can even become lodged in the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system, becoming a possible fire hazard.
In order to make sure that your HVAC continues to function properly while the weather changes, make sure to clear out this debris from your HVAC unit at the end of September or in early October. Clearing this debris is especially important because even 1/100thof an inch of dust buildup on your coil and blower motor can cause up to 10% loss of efficiency. This is what mostly contributes to higher utility costs.
Change the Air Filter
Temperatures can easily cross the high 90’s during Texas summers. Summer is the season where your air conditioning system runs almost nonstop. It is at this time therefore that your air filters can get the dirtiest. A dirty air filter will obstruct the flow of air, causing the furnace of your HVAC to work harder and costing you more money. Replacing these dirty filters with clean ones at the start of fall is therefore highly recommended.
Check Your Thermostat
Checking the thermostat of your air conditioning system is yet another way to make sure that the system is not being overworked. If your thermostat responds properly and displays an accurate temperature reading, then rest assured it is functioning properly. If not, you can get it fixed well in time for the winter season. In addition, if your HVAC system has a programmable thermostat, you can review its’ settings to see if they are appropriate for the new season.
Inspect Insulation
In an ideal world, your system’s insulation functions well throughout the year. But real life is quite far from the ideal. If you notice that your energy bills are suddenly much higher than they were last summer, it is time to speak to a professional so they can inspect your system’s insulation.
Prevent Clogging or Buildup in the Condensate Drain Line
A clog in the condensate drain line can be especially detrimental for your heating and cooling system. If you suspect having a block in your condensate drain line, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. Remember, only regular maintenance can prevent these clogs and with the changing weather, the need for this maintenance is greater than ever before.
Ensure That the Unit is Level
Although summers don’t change landscapes, they can damage the pads on which your air conditioning system works. After a season of hot Texas summers, your system may not be on level ground. This can cause non-uniform lubrication in the compressor and eventually cause it to burn out. Repairs are costly too. You still have some time left before the cold season hits Richardson, TX. If you have any doubts about your unit not being level, pick up the phone and contact us.
Examine Furnace Burners and Blowers
Fall is the ideal time to check your furnace and make sure it’s working properly before winter arrives. First, check for any dust that may have built up over the summer. Next, test the furnace itself.
Your HVAC system needs time to adjust to the demands of heating your home day and night. All summer long, if your air conditioning system was giving off cool air, it will take a while for it to adjust and start giving off heat.
Before you expect your HVAC to start giving off hot air, test the heater to see if it even works. You can start with a low setting and increase it as you go. Keep in mind that it may take your HVAC time to get back to its usual speed and efficiency and you may have to be patient with it.
If after waiting patiently, your system still doesn’t seem to be working, call us for a professional furnace inspection.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Never try HVAC maintenance at home by yourself. Only an HVAC professional can conduct a thorough inspection of your air conditioning system and make sure it’s ready and properly functioning well in time for winter.
Regular professional maintenance will also extend the life of your unit and keep your energy costs low. Contact us today and make sure your HVAC system is ready for the new season.
At One Hour Heating and Air, we provide reliable, effective and affordable heating and cooling services to home owners throughout Richardson, TX. If you are in the Richardson, TX area and are looking to get your HVAC systems replaced or repaired this fall season, contact us today at 817-283-6911. Put your trust in us and we won’t disappoint you!