Don’t Forget Fall Maintenance for Your HVAC
The world is changing and our day-to-day lives look very different than they did this time last year. Our homes are becoming more important because we are spending more and more time in them. You may be working from home, your kids might be doing remote learning, or you might just be staying in on the weekends. Regardless of why, homes have become a sanctuary during these times of change. In order to keep your living space comfortable, it is vital to maintain your HVAC system. Most HVAC specialists recommend having HVAC maintenance once or twice a year – once in the spring before you turn on the air conditioning, and once in the fall, before you turn on the heat. With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with Weather Crafters.
Why is fall maintenance for my HVAC important?
- Generally, with a programmable or smart thermostat, your air conditioning will get a break during the day. When you leave for work, it raises the temperature a few degrees, and doesn’t have to run as frequently. However, if you are home more often, your system is probably running more than it used to. So after a long, hot summer, it’s time to show your HVAC a little love. Regular maintenance will make sure that everything is working efficiently. The more efficiently your system runs, the longer your HVAC system will live. The average lifespan of an HVAC is anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The more often the system runs, the shorter it will live.
- Another reason to have your system check out in the fall is because winter is coming. Even though we don’t get a lot of snow in the mid-atlantic region, it still gets cold enough to turn on the heat. By completing maintenance in the fall, you can make sure that your air conditioning is good to go for the rest of the warm weather and that the transition from cooling to heating will go smoothly. Don’t wait for frost to check on your heating, get ahead of the game.
- More than any other time, it is important to complete fall maintenance for your HVAC. You are home more, which means you are breathing in the air in your home more. According to the EPA, indoor air is often 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is because outside air is moved around and fresh air mixes with polluted air and dilutes it. Clouds, rain, and plants help to clean the air naturally. Indoors, our air is constantly cycled through the same space, with very little filtration. A traditional HVAC system has a filter that needs to be changed every few months. Bacteria, mold, mildew, pet dander, allergens, dust, and all manner of air-borne irritants float through the air you breathe every day. If you or a loved one have seasonal allergies, you know what a nightmare autumn can be. Having a HVAC specialist come in can help make sure that your ducts are cycling air properly, and they can help you determine if your filter is doing its job properly, or if you should consider upgrading to a better air filtration system.
- As part of regular maintenance, you should always check your outdoor condenser unit (the big grey box outside) for debris. It is especially important to keep it clear during fall because of all the extra leaves that come down. The condenser needs to be kept clear of all leaves, branches, and anything else that might obstruct the flow of air. A clogged condenser will work harder and less efficiently. Check the outdoor unit every week or so just to make sure it is clear.
Keep your home comfortable, clean, and safe by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance. There is no better time to call Weather Crafters – we are here for you!
