Preparing Tempe HVAC System for Fall Season
Fall is considered a transitional season by many home and building owners, one that’s ideal for relieving any major stress that was on systems during the summer while preparing them for the very different challenges that come during the winter. One area that’s a perfect example here is HVAC — your system uses completely different components in the winter than it does in the summer, and the fall is an ideal period in which to prep for this transition.
At Accurate Air, we’re here to help. We offer regular inspection and service of numerous HVAC items and components in Tempe, including seasonal inspections and upgrades that are often ordered by our clients during the spring and fall transitional periods. Both on your own and with the assistance of our staff, what are some of the most important fall HVAC areas to be attending to in your home? Here’s a primer.
Check Air Filters
First and foremost, make sure you’re checking and replacing air filters regularly during fall and winter. Some systems, like forced air heating units, will use a filter that must be checked and replaced at least once per month — even more often if you or members of your family suffer from asthma or allergies.
Here’s why: When the filter is dirty — which it will be after a few weeks of operating — airflow is reduced, and this translates into poor heating performance. To make matters worse, since cheaper filters aren’t actually air tight, they’re also allowing dust particles to enter the system interior; over time these can build up and harm your system. Changing these out throughout the year is vital.
Sealing Air Leaks
While you’re in the process of checking your filters, make sure to take a look around your home and identify any potential air leaks that may be letting cold outside air inside. These can be tough to nail down at times since they don’t always cause temperature problems on their own — it’s only when you combine them with an already problematic system that the effects become clear.
The key thing to remember when looking for these is that not all leaks are visible — you’ll need to use a smoke stick (the kind you can purchase from just about any hardware store) to find the ones that aren’t as apparent. Once located, seal them up with insulation or caulk if necessary, as this will prevent your valuable heat from escaping during the winter season.
Check Alarms and Detectors
Ensure you’re always prepared in case of emergency or danger by checking on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. This can be done with a quick walk through, or you can do it in the spring and fall on a regular basis to stay on top of things.
For more on preparing your home’s HVAC system for fall and how our team can help, speak to the pros at Accurate Air today.