With a slight drop in temperature and a crisp breeze in the air, it’s finally starting to feel like fall here in Georgia. However, as we leave the scorching summer heat behind us, it’s important to remember how this will affect our HVAC systems.
Generally, any seasonal change, especially the transition from summer to fall, calls for an HVAC maintenance roundup. At ACS, we offer premier HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance to residences and businesses throughout Milledgeville, Covington, and surrounding areas. Our expert technicians work year-round to ensure your HVAC is equipped to handle any seasonal climate.
In this article, our experts discuss some of their top HVAC maintenance tips for fall, including:
-
- Change your air filters
- Check your thermostat
- Clean your outdoor unit
- Look for air leaks
- Clean air vents and ducts
- Schedule routine maintenance
Change Your Air Filters
The start of fall serves as a reminder to check and replace your air filter. Though just a tiny component of your HVAC system, your air filter is crucial to the unit’s overall performance and functionality. Your air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other toxic particles from building up in your system and circulating throughout your air. However, if your filter becomes too full or dirty, it will no longer be able to do its job, and your indoor comfort will suffer as a result. The best way to keep your system on track all year long is to change your air filter every quarter or every 1-2 months if you have pets or severe allergies.
Check Your Thermostat
If you live in Georgia, chances are you were blasting your AC all summer long. However, this will change as the weather starts to cool down. The beginning of fall is generally when homeowners use their AC less often, prompting them to reconfigure their thermostat settings. So, while you still want to ensure your household’s comfort, you’ll likely have some wiggle room with your cooling settings now that the summer heat is behind you. If you don’t have one already, this is the perfect opportunity to invest in a smart thermostat. This way, you won’t have to worry about manually changing your settings every season, as your smart thermostat will automatically adjust to your heating and cooling needs.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
We all know that fall is when trees begin to shed their leaves. That said, you’ll want to ensure these leaves don’t block or damage your outdoor HVAC unit. If you have large trees or shrubs near your unit, we suggest cutting them down before fall is in full swing. Then, you’ll also want to remove any existing debris around the unit. If you suspect any dirt, rocks, twigs or other debris have gotten inside your unit, you’ll want to call the professionals for an internal inspection.
Look for Air Leaks
Air leaks are another thing to look out for as the seasons change. Though often overlooked, air leaks can significantly drive up your household’s energy consumption as your system must work overtime to heat or cool these drafty areas. As you’re doing your fall HVAC roundup, check all your doors and windows to ensure there are no leaks. If you find one, we suggest replacing your weather stripping around entry doors and caulking gaps between windows and drywall. You can do this at home or with help from your local air specialist.
Clean Air Vents and Ducts
Like your air filters, your vents and ducts could also use a check-up as fall ramps up. These critical HVAC components are responsible for efficiently circulating air throughout your home. However, if they become dirty or clogged, circulating air will become a much more difficult job, causing your system to work harder and less efficiently. If you can’t tell whether you need ductwork cleaning, look for some signs, including excessive dust, worsened allergies, higher power bills, or mold growth. These indicators should prompt you to call your local HVAC specialist for professional ductwork cleaning.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
No seasonal HVAC roundup is complete with a visit from the professionals. When performing a tune-up, your technicians thoroughly inspect your most vital HVAC components to ensure your system is ready for fall. At ACS, our NATE-certified specialists perform thorough, routine residential and commercial maintenance for the Georgians who need it most. With exclusive industry expertise, our team will ensure your HVAC system is ready to conquer the crisp and cozy fall season.
HVAC Heating and Cooling with ACS
If you need to schedule HVAC repair, replacement, or maintenance this fall, you can count on ACS to get the job done. With decades of valuable industry experience, our certified HVAC technicians promise nothing but the best! Connect with our team today for top-quality HVAC maintenance, repair, or installation in Covington, Milledgeville, and surrounding areas.
