Fall is in full swing and the nights have been getting pretty chillly, which means you may have already turned on your heat. Before it gets even colder, though, take a moment to do some quick HVAC maintenance. A well-maintained HVAC system will last longer and will perform better, keeping you warmer.
Install New Filters
HVAC filters should be changed on a regular basis (at Oliver, we recommend every one to three months), so before you get into the full swing of heat season, start your unit with fresh filters and get rid of all the pollen, dust, and dirt that may have collected over the summer.
Evaluate the Weatherstripping
You should evaluate the weatherstripping on your doors and windows. If it’s bad, it can make them drafty and cause an influx of cold air from outside. The cold air will make your HVAC unit work harder than it has to and in turn, you’ll pay more for your energy bill.
Open Your Closed Vents
If you’ve ever heard that you should close air duct vents in rooms you’re not using, don’t heed that advice. When a vent is closed, heat can’t travel correctly through your home, which makes your system to work harder than it has to. Open your closed vents and let your HVAC system do its job to achieve maximum efficiency.
Mind the Landscaping
While you should really mind the landscaping near your HVAC unit all year long, it’s especially important to do so during the fall. If there’s an early snowfall and leaves are still on the trees, the snow can weigh them down and cause the branches to snap. If this happens and your HVAC unit is nearby, it may undergo some damage. Also, check your unit regularly for dead leaves that may have blown off of a tree and gotten lodged in it.
Do a Thermostat Test
Before you put your heat on full blast, do a test to make sure it’s working well. Use a separate reading to make sure your home is at the temperature your thermostat says it is. If it’s not, call one of our HVAC service experts; we’ll evaluate the unit and figure out what’s causing the problem.