It’s now more important than ever to prepare your HVAC unit for seasonal change. With the recent increase in energy costs just a couple of months away, it is important to jump on preventative maintenance now. Preparing your HVAC for seasonal changes will help the units perform optimally during these pivotal changes. The following information can help you prepare for the seasonal changes and ensure your HVAC unit is ready to handle the winter.
7 Ways on How to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for Seasonal Changes
- Change your filters
A dirty filter will cause your system to run at a lower efficiency, causing energy loss. It is recommended that you replace your filters twice a year. This advice is essential for those that use electronic air filters, which are incredibly useful in removing pollutants from the air. Electronic air filters trap allergens and other unwanted particles. Changing the filters every few months is an easy way to eliminate these particles.
- Check the ductwork
Check to ensure that the ductwork is not blocked and has no holes before turning on your HVAC unit. The first step of preparing your HVAC unit for seasonal change is ensuring there are no airflow obstructions. It could cause the system to work harder than it needs to, which will eventually cause the system to break down more quickly.
- Check for air leaks.
Significant energy loss might result from air leaks. A tiny air leak can result in a startling 10 percent energy loss. Use an infrared energy audit to locate an air leak. You may stop the leak before the fall and winter months arrive by using an infrared audit to pinpoint exactly where your air leaks.
- Check your refrigerant level
You should also check your refrigerant levels when replacing your air filters and performing an energy audit. If the level is too low, it could be a sign that there is an oil leak in the system. A low refrigerant level will also cause other problems which can be costly to repair or replace. A professional HVAC technician must check your refrigerant level to avoid any added stress before the winter months come around.
- Test the operation of any onboard humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
In preparation for seasonal changes, test the operation of any onboard humidifiers and dehumidifiers you may have in your home. Now is the perfect time to ensure you are comfortable with their work since you will want to be familiar with them before they are needed. It is essential to be aware of these systems so you can adequately care for the unit and ensure that it works effectively during those early fall months.
- Check your system’s drain line.
The air conditioning system can create water if it is not drained correctly. Check this line to ensure there are no leaks or holes in it. When checking your drain line, you can also take a temperature reading of the discharge water to ensure it is colder than room temperature.
- Check your thermostat settings.
It is essential to familiarize yourself with how your thermostat works and the different settings so you can efficiently adjust them as needed during the upcoming months. The best way to do this is to go through each setting and note what they do, so you can be prepared when cooling needs are heightened in the fall.
Preparing your HVAC unit for the upcoming season is essential to keep it running smoothly and reduce the chance of complications. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your HVAC system to take care of it effectively. It is always best to get ready before it’s needed rather than trying to fix an issue when time and money are in short supply.