Summer has come to a close, and the colder months are beginning to have an effect on temperatures.
While you’re getting used to the transition from summer to fall, it’s important to make sure your heating and cooling system is also ready for the change.
So here are four simple maintenance tips to help get your system ready for fall (read until the end to get a bonus tip!).
Clean the evaporator and condenser coils
First, you’ve got to prepare your A/C for its winter shutdown …
It’s common for dust and debris to settle in your A/C’s evaporator and condenser coils. These are two very important parts of your HVAC system. And if not taken care of regularly, the dust tends to cause issues over time.
The evaporator coil can be found behind the access panel of your indoor unit. And the condenser coil is usually behind the fan in the outdoor unit.
However, this is a rather dangerous job and you should leave it to expert technicians! They will use compressed air to dislodge dust deposits around the coils and a vacuum to get rid of the dust.
Sniff around for strange odors
When you run your heating (and cooling) system, the air being circulated should be fresh and odorless. If any weird smells are coming from your unit, then there may be an issue you need to have checked out. For example:
- If you smell burnt matches or rotten eggs, it could mean that there’s a natural gas leak somewhere.
- If you smell something burning, then it could be excess dust being burnt off the inside of your furnace. But if the smell is continuous, it could allude to an electrical problem.
Look out for strange noises
Your furnace system will naturally make some noise, as it’s made of moving parts. But certain noises are less acceptable than others, especially if you’ve never heard them before.
Some of the noises you should listen for are hissing, rattling, wheezing, and popping. These sounds can mean anything from gas leaks to loose parts and should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
Inspect your air filters
If your air is fresh and clean when you run your furnace, you probably have the air filter to thank. While its main purpose is to stop dust and dirt from destroying your system, it also helps to mildly purify the air in your home.
So, it’s important to change your air filter every 90 days … if not more often!
Bonus: Schedule a inspection from a professional HVAC Contractor
There are a lot of little things you can do to get your furnace (and A/C) ready for fall and winter. But nothing beats professional maintenance. They’ll be able to take a deeper look at your system and diagnose existing or potential problems.
Plus, even if nothing is seemingly wrong, regular maintenance is necessary to help your system last longer. So, give your trusty professionals a ring, and treat your system to a well-deserved checkup this fall.
If you’re in the Raleigh, NC metro area, give Weather Master a call anytime at (919) 853-7910, and we’ll be happy to help you.