Summer is coming to a close, so that means it is time for one of your two-yearly HVAC checkups. However, many homeowners forgo the fall service because they are not going to be running their air conditioners in the winter. Unfortunately, avoiding fall maintenance is setting your system up to require more expensive Spring AC services a year or two down the road. Having an AC checklist is a great first step for proper HVAC system maintenance.
Better Safe Than Sorry
It is true that you are not going to run your AC when the temperature drops below 50, but what happens if we get a late November heatwave with temperatures in the high 80s? Fall maintenance is the most effective way to ensure that your system works whenever you need it, and chances are that you will need it for a few days here and there over the next six months.
Getting Ready for Winter
Many homeowners — especially homeowners in more temperate climates like Houston — have heat pumps, which are similar to air conditioners except that they can both cool and heat a house. If you have a heat pump, it likely provides you with most of your heating. Even if you have electric baseboard heating, getting your HVAC system tuned up will help it function properly without a hitch in the spring.
Cleaning Dirt and Debris
What is fall known for? Leaves — lots and lots of leaves. Those leaves can pile up around your outside condenser unit. Along with all of the debris of summer — grass clippings, dead branches, and weeds — your condenser unit is probably quite dirty inside. All of that yard waste will insulate the refrigerant coils and make them work less efficiently. In effect, you will spend more money and wear your equipment out faster. Spring AC services in the fall will keep your condenser clean and working like new. Your technician will also replace your system’s air filter to keep the indoor air handler running smoothly.
Inspecting for Issues
Corrosion, leaks, dents, and even software issues can all bring your HVAC system to its knees. Finding and fixing these problems in the fall can prevent an expensive Spring air conditioning repair or unit replacement. Modern systems feature extensive automated error messages, but even the most state-of-the-art system needs a manual inspection to find every problem. For example, persistent high humidity often requires some investigative legwork to diagnose. Your utility bills might also be creeping higher, but your system is still working as far as you can tell. Fall maintenance checkups can identify these issues.
Want to learn other tips to prevent a future Spring AC repair? Check out our list of Spring AC services, or call AirDepot to schedule a checkup today.
