It might feel hard to believe – but September is here and fall officially begins in just a couple of weeks. While it’s a busy time for many Pacific Northwest residents, it is important not to forget to carve out some time for maintaining your heating and cooling system. After all, it does require regular maintenance to keep it running properly! Here are some things you need to do to ensure it runs at its peak.
Make sure no vents are blocked.
Check around your home and make sure the air vents are never blocked. Move rugs, carpet, furniture, tables, and other products away from the vents. Why? Blocked vents restrict airflow through the HVAC system, which can lead to performance problems with the machine and increased wear and tear.
Clean your air filters.
Your air filters have a big job: they capture dust, debris, pollutants, pet dander, and other harmful particles that try to make their way into the air you breathe. Be sure to check your air filters regularly and replace or clean them every other month. Clean air filters also help ensure the air quality in your home is good!
Remove debris around the exterior unit.
Summertime fun outdoors is one of the best parts of living in Oregon. As we switch gears to autumn, check around the exterior of your HVAC system. Remove grass clippings, leaves, shrub clippings, and keep products off and away from the unit, too.
Look for any damage.
Summer heat, springtime rain, and winter cold can wreak havoc on your HVAC system over time. So, as we transition into a new season, it’s a great time to inspect your system for damage. Look for cracks, dents, loose wires, clogged drains, or any other sign of damage. In addition, when the system turns on, pay close attention for any unusual sounds or smells that come from it, as this could indicate an issue that needs professional attention.
Adjust your programmable thermostat.
Now it’s time to adjust your thermostat for cooler fall temperatures. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature for different schedules throughout the day or week. You can accommodate various temperature adjustments while you’re away from the house for added convenience, so you simply don’t need to worry about it when you’re gone. For example, if you’re away at work all day, program it to turn down the temperature while you’re gone, so you aren’t heating or cooling an empty space. This saves energy and prevents utility bill spikes. Don’t have a programmable thermostat? We can help install one. They are affordable and work with almost any existing system.
Schedule your professional tune up appointment.
Unfortunately, your heating and cooling system unfortunately won’t last forever. But, preventative maintenance on it will help it last as long as possible. Get the most out of your system by staying on top of professional maintenance appointments from our licensed and experienced team at Specialty Heating and Cooling. We recommend annual tune up. Here, we will change your filters, make sure all internal components are working well, and ensure it’s running at maximum energy efficiency. If we notice a problem, we will talk to you about it and find a repair solution.
So, stay ahead of fall maintenance and schedule your appointment today with us! Maybe it’s time for a full furnace replacement this autumn. We can help with that, too! Contact us today!
