You’ve probably heard the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and the same is true for your heating and cooling systems (HVAC system). You are less likely to have costly repair or replacement issues if you are alert and prepare your HVAC for falls. Making sure your HVAC system is ready for the coming months will help keep your home comfortable even in the coldest temperatures. Our job at Los Angeles Heater Repair is to serve our fellow HVAC homeowners with the HVAC air conditioning installation and proper heating and air maintenance information they require to keep their heating and cooling systems in good working order.
That’s why we’re excited to share some tips for preparing your HVAC system, particularly your air conditioner, for the fall:
- Change The Temperature On Your Thermostat
Change the temperature settings on your air conditioner’s thermostat when you change the clocks. It is best to adjust the temperature to cooler temperatures based on your comfort.
- Turn On The Heat
It can smell when you turn on the heat for the first time in the fall. Typically, the burnt smell is caused by dust accumulated on the heating components over the last few months of stagnation. It should be gone soon. Get in touch with an HVAC professional if the heat does not come on.
- Replace or Clean The Air Filter in Your Air Conditioning Unit
Once a month, clean and replace the air filters in your air conditioning unit (always during the change of season). When your air filter is dirty, allergens and other pollutants become trapped, lowering the efficiency of your HVAC system. Follow your system’s recommended replacement schedule, usually once a month—especially when the seasons change. Doing so regularly could save you 5-10% on your monthly energy bill.
- Clear The Area Around The Condenser Unit of Any Natural Debris
Dirt, grime, weeds, and leaves accumulate around the condenser unit by the end of the summer. During cold weather, this can disrupt clean airflow and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.
- Clean The Coils On Your Unit
During the summer, your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coil collect dirt from your lawnmower (and through the fall as the leaves change). This dirt restricts airflow and may cause your air conditioner to absorb heat. Remove any debris from the exterior area around the coils.
- Turn Off The Power To The Unit
Turning off the unit’s power eliminates the risk of condenser damage if the thermostat is accidentally set to “cool” during the fall. Locate an exterior shut-off box near your condenser unit and flip the switch inside.
- Vent Cleaning
Debris (think dander, dirt, dust, and the like) accumulates in air vents over time, lowering indoor air quality. Cleaning your air vents after a particularly hot summer season will help reduce the amount of debris in your air vents. This will improve indoor air quality and reduce unpleasant odors and the impact of seasonal allergies on your home’s occupants.
- Inspect the Air Ducts
If you notice visible dust coming from your home’s air vents, it’s time for a professional air duct cleaning. Dust accumulates in the air ducts over time and disperses throughout your home via the air vents. The fall season is ideal for cleaning and preparing your air ducts for cooler weather.
- Examine the Evaporator Drain
If ignored, a clogged evaporator drain can begin much bigger problems. Over time, algae and mold can clog the evaporator drain, causing flooding in your home and costly system repairs. A wet/dry vacuum will unclog an evaporator drain, preventing the buildup from interfering with the operation of your HVAC system.
- Plan a Maintenance Tune-Up
You should schedule an AC service and maintenance tune-up with a reputable HVAC company at least once a year to keep your system running smoothly. An experienced technician will thoroughly inspect and tune up your system during a maintenance checkup. This way, your system will run as efficiently as possible even after working overtime during the summer months.
If you’re ready to arrange your maintenance tune-up, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Los Angeles Heater Repair experts. Our HVAC technicians perform quality maintenance checks that have been shown to increase efficiency, reduce the need for repairs, and improve comfort and indoor air quality, all while lowering your energy bills. Los Angeles Heater Repair provides beneficial air conditioning services to prepare HVAC systems for the fall season. From routine heating system tune-ups to air conditioning repair following a major storm, our skilled technicians respond quickly to your system’s needs.
Contact Los Angeles Heater Repair today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about how we can help you prepare your HVAC for any season. Our trained professionals at Los Angeles Heater Repair specialize in any HVAC system and rest assured our services are of top quality.