As the leaves change color and the weather becomes cooler, it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the fall. Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping your system running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the road.
To help you out, here’s a comprehensive checklist of tasks that need to be done before winter sets in. Follow these tips, and rest assured that your HVAC system will keep you comfortable all season long! If you need assistance with your HVAC maintenance, contact a licensed Gresham commercial HVAC company.
Inspect the outdoor unit
First things first, take a look at the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. If there’s any debris or leaves around it, remove them. Next, check to see if the fins on the unit are bent. If they are, use a fin comb to straighten them out. Finally, make sure that the area around the outdoor unit is clear and free of any obstructions.
Change the air filter
You should be doing this every month, but it’s especially important to do it before winter. Your HVAC air filter traps dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, it can become clogged, reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency. By changing the air filter regularly, you can help prolong the life of your system and improve its performance.
Check for leaks
Take a look at all of the hoses and connections on your HVAC system. If you see any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the hoses. If ignored, leaks can lead to serious damage, so it’s best to take care of them right away.
Clear the vents
Next, check all of the vents in your building. Make sure that they’re not blocked by furniture or other objects. If they are, move the obstructions and vacuum any dirt or dust around the vents. By keeping the vents clear, you can ensure that your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency.
Inspect the ductwork
Now is a good time to inspect your HVAC ductwork for leaks or holes. If you find any, seal them with mastic sealant or metal tape. Even small leaks can cause big problems, so it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.
Test the thermostat
Before the cold weather arrives, test your thermostat to make sure that it’s working properly. Set it to different temperatures and see if the system responds accordingly. This is also a good time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one.
Schedule a tune-up
Last but not least, schedule a tune-up for your HVAC system. During a tune-up, an HVAC technician will clean the system and make any necessary repairs. This helps keep the system running smoothly and prevents costly breakdowns in the future. Plus, it’ll help your system run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.
By following this checklist, you can be confident that your HVAC system will be ready to take on the colder weather. If you have any questions or need assistance with your fall HVAC maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed and skilled commercial HVAC company. They’ll be happy to help you out!