Fall is the time of year when you’re most likely to need your heating and air conditioning system. And while this might not sound like a big deal, it can actually be quite an expensive problem if you don’t take care of it! To avoid that, there are a few things you should do.
Clean or Replace Filters
It’s important to change filters when needed. A dirty filter, also known as a clogged filter, can cause your heating and air conditioning system to work harder than it should, leaving you with higher energy bills and lower comfort levels. If you’re not sure whether your filter needs to be changed, here are a few signs to look for:
1) Visible dirt accumulation on the filters – The filter screens will eventually become clogged with dirt over time and need to be cleaned or replaced.
2) Unusually noisy operation – Dirty filters can make your heating and cooling system work much harder than required, which may result in the unit making unusual noises that weren’t typically there before.
3) The issue persists after replacing the filter – If you’ve replaced your filter recently and still notice problems, it’s possible that the filters are not actually dirty. It could also be a sign of mechanical failure or other problem instead.
Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit should also be kept clean to avoid dirt from building up around the outdoor unit and clogging the filter. Blowing it off with a hose or vacuuming it will suffice. Dirt can accumulate quickly on the surface of the outdoor unit, which can cause mechanical failure if left unchecked.
Be sure to inspect your outdoor unit once a year to check for signs of rust or corrosion. If the unit is visibly corroded, it may be time for a replacement because those types of problems usually occur slowly over time and cannot be fixed easily.
Check your Fan Blades
If your fan blades appear dull and rusty, then you should also inspect the inside of the unit. This will typically require you to remove the front panel and clean it out and replace any parts that may need to be repaired or replaced. Dirty and rusted fan blades can accelerate this process.
Also check for any obstruction in the heat exchanger and remove if necessary, such as leaves or other debris. This will help to ensure that your system is running at peak performance and prevent abnormal sounds from occurring.
Check Coils and Drain Lines
Check for mechanical failure or other problems. Your air conditioning unit may not be clogged with dirt, but it could also have a mechanical issue instead. To diagnose the cause of the problem, you’ll want to inspect your coils and drain lines.
A dirty filter can result in an AC system that is working much harder than required, which is likely to produce abnormal sounds.
If your AC-unit appears to be making unusual noises, there may be something wrong with your coils or drain – which often happens when the condenser coil is dirty or iced up.
The condenser coil can accumulate dirt and dust over time, which will slow down the performance of the AC system and make it louder.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Making sure that your system is well maintained will help to ensure that it operates at peak efficiency, requiring less work from your system and reducing the risk of breakouts. You want to keep it clean, keep it maintained, and replace any parts/components as needed. This is what you do to take care of your HVAC system this fall. One way to do that is by having your system inspected by a hvac maintenance professional, which can help you avoid costly hvac repairs during the winter season.
This article has provided a few tips to help you take care of your HVAC system this fall. It is important that you have it inspected by an expert before the winter season, and if necessary, change the filter in your AC unit! If these tasks seem too intimidating for you or if they are outside of your expertise-do not fret. Our team is always ready to partner with our customers on their home improvement projects. We can provide quality workmanship while making sure that we keep up with any applicable safety regulations or codes set forth by local authorities. Let’s chat about what type of service would best suit your needs so we can get started on a plan today!
