Fall HVAC Maintenance: Best Practices

Winter is almost here, so it's time to kick on the heat. Your HVAC will need a tune-up to work optimally during the cold season. Today, the team at Gladiator Service discusses tips and tricks for fall HVAC maintenance. 

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Tips for Fall HVAC Preventative Maintenance

As fall ends and winter arrives, many people use their HVAC systems more frequently. Proper HVAC maintenance during the fall ensures your system operates smoothly during the winter.

Below are some HVAC preventative maintenance tips for homeowners. 

Clean Your Coils

First, clean your evaporator and condenser coils. HVAC coils work more effectively when they have more surface area that makes contact with the air.

Dirty coils have layers of dust and grime that can negatively affect coil performance. Dirty coils also get hot easier, making them more likely to overheat and break. 

If you’re not getting your coils professionally cleaned, you can clean them yourself. Use a gentle-bristle brush and a small amount of dish soap. Take care not to scratch the coils, or you may cause cracks and leaks.

You should also remove any large debris from the coil container. 

Winterize Your System

Winterizing consists of several small tasks to acclimate your system to the colder weather.

Here is a convenient fall HVAC maintenance checklist:

• Fill any gaps in your ductwork and home
• Set your water heater to a lower temperature
• Insulate exposed piping in basements and attics
• Place draft snakes around your doors to prevent air loss
• Set fan direction to clockwise to circulate warm air
• Disconnect and empty hoses outside and store them in a dry space. 
• Remove any weeds or grass near your outdoor AC unit
• Periodically remove ice or snow from the exterior unit

Winterizing your system makes it work more efficiently. It also prevents common problems from cold weather, such as ice buildup and frozen pipes. 

Replace Air Filters

HVAC filters trap pollen, dust, and other particulate matter, stopping these substances from coming out of your vents. Vents also protect internal components from the damage that dust and debris can incur. Air filters can become clogged over time and will require replacement. 

Since you will run your furnace more during the winter, we recommend changing your air filter to a model with a higher MERV rating. HEPA filters have high MERV ratings between 17 and 20 and can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter. HEPA filters are particularly helpful for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. 

Clean Vents

Air vents can get dirty and dusty from use over time. If you notice visible dust on your vents, you should clean them thoroughly.

Clean your vents by running a vacuum over the grill and scrubbing them with a brush attachment. If you need to, remove the front-facing grill and clean the inside of the vents. 

During the winter, dirty and broken vents can become a haven for insects and pests, including rodents. You can identify signs of rodents by the presence of droppings, hair, and bits of leftover food. 

Change the Thermostat

Once temperatures drop, you’ll need to change how you control temperatures. If you have a programmable thermostat, change the pre-programmed settings to run at your desired temperature. The ideal temperature for winter weather is just below 70 degrees F. 

Contrary to what many think, it is better to keep your HVAC running at a consistent temperature versus turning it on and off frequently. You can also change settings to turn your HVAC on or off when you are away from home. 

Install Weatherstripping

Houses can lose nearly 20% to 30% of their heat through windows, so installing proper weatherstripping can help keep your home insulated. Weatherstripping under your doors and windows creates a semi-permanent seal that keeps warm air inside. As a result, you won’t have to rely on your furnace as much.

Weatherstripping also relieves the strain on your HVAC system, lowering your monthly energy bills.

Inspect Gas Lines

If you have a gas furnace, you will need to inspect the gas lines before using the furnace regularly during winter. Cracked gas lines can reduce system performance, increase energy bills, and pose a health hazard to you and your family. 

If your furnace does not receive sufficient gas, it can start producing carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is lethal, so you want to ensure your gas furnace works correctly. You should also replace your carbon monoxide detectors. 

Insulate Pipes

Exposed piping from your HVAC is a major source of heat loss. You can reduce energy waste by insulating exposed pipes with foam and duct tape. Foam insulation will keep air pipes warm and protect them from impacts.

Insulation will also keep pipes from freezing in cold weather. Frozen pipes lead to a costly repair or replacement. 

Schedule a Checkup

The best method to prepare HVAC units for the winter season is hiring an HVAC professional to perform a checkup. HVAC checkups can vary depending on your specific system and needs.

The typical HVAC tune-up checklist includes:

• Replacing air filters
• Cleaning drain lines
• Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
• Inspecting ductwork for damage
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Testing electrical connections
• Inspecting fan motors
• Cleaning unit

Regular HVAC checkups not only improve performance but can also increase your HVAC lifespan by up to five years. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule can help you get the most out of your investment.

Schedule Your HVAC Service Today in Mahwah, NJ, and the Surrounding Areas

The Gladiator Services team believes that quality HVAC services should be available to all. We are so confident in our services that we offer a five-year warranty on all installations and repairs. Our team of licensed professionals can address any HVAC problem you send our way. 

Visit our blog to read our tips on furnace maintenance and more HVAC advice. If you want to schedule fall HVAC maintenance, contact us online or call us at (201) 512-8972 to receive a free quote!