Before winter arrives, ensure your HVAC system is in top shape. Caring for the heater now helps it operate efficiently when it has to run around the clock. Use the guide below to prepare your home for the chilly weather.

Your Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

1. Set the Thermostat

The transition between fall and winter can bring a wide range of temperatures. However, even as the weather fluctuates, set the thermostat once and avoid making changes.

Constantly adjusting the setting makes the HVAC system work harder to keep up and strains the equipment. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a comfortable schedule and allow it to adjust by itself.

2. Inspect the Registers

Dust and debris build up on registers when the heater is off. These particles then circulate once the unit is on.

Wipe down or dust all of the registers. Remove any obstructions, such as furniture and stored boxes, from the area to ensure proper airflow.

3. Check the Air Filter

Air filters catch dust, pollen, and pet dander before they enter the home. Over time, particles build up in the unit, blocking airflow and straining the HVAC equipment.

Check the filter regularly and replace it as soon as it’s dirty. Ideally, change it once per season, or every month if you have pets or allergies.

4. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Most heat pumps have outdoor units, which can malfunction if they’re blocked in any way. Remove leaves, branches, dirt, and any other debris on top of or surrounding the unit. Trim back any foliage growing too close.

In general, outdoor units require a few feet of clearance on all sides. If the unit is particularly grimy, turn off its electrical supply and hose it down.

5. Schedule Maintenance

While there are a few maintenance steps you can handle on your own, some are best left to professionals.

Before the winter, schedule an inspection with an HVAC contractor. They will check the unit for potential problems and recommend repairs and next steps. Professional preventive maintenance helps you avoid inconvenient breakdowns in the middle of winter.

 

Prepare your HVAC system for winter with assistance from A1 Heating. Based in Toledo, OH, this heating and cooling contractor has provided dependable services for over 50 years. Whether you need preventive maintenance or repairs, their skilled technicians will improve your equipment’s performance in no time. Visit their website to print coupons and special offers, or call (419) 243-4871 to schedule a free estimate.