Just because the weather is starting to cool off doesn’t mean that you can completely ignore your home’s AC. Carrying out a few simple maintenance tasks during the fall and winter months could help you avoid major HVAC problems once the weather begins to warm up.
The Importance of Off-Season AC Maintenance
Even though most modern residential air conditioning systems are very durable, they must withstand an incredible amount of abuse over the years. During the peak season, they might be used hundreds of hours a week, and that is why they must be regularly serviced. A little bit of preventative maintenance will keep your AC running efficiently and reduce your risk of expensive repairs down the road.
Steps That You Can Carry Out
You will need some professional assistance, but there are a few simple steps that you can carry out on your own as well. The first thing that you should do is clean off the outdoor condenser with a garden hose. Quite a bit of grime can collect on that unit, and that will greatly reduce its efficiency. You will also need to remove any debris or foliage that is within a few feet of the heat pump or condenser. Finally, all of the vents should be visually inspected for any signs of damage or clogs.
Professional Service Calls
After you have carried out a little bit of maintenance on your own, you will then need to call in a professional. An experienced HVAC contractor must go through extensive training, and they are going to have specialized tools for checking every major component of the HVAC system. An AC repair and maintenance company can also take care of any minor damage before it becomes a major problem.
What About My Heating System?
During the service call for your home’s AC, you might also want to have the technician look over your home’s heating system. Residential furnaces and heaters can be quite complex, and you want to be absolutely sure that it is working perfectly before it is needed. For a heating system tune-up, the technician will most likely inspect all of the air filters, double-check the thermostat’s accuracy, clear out the drain lines, and open all of the vents.
While this type of maintenance might seem time-consuming, it could end up saving you quite a bit over the years. It is also going to extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and help you avoid catastrophic breakdowns.