HVAC Home Maintenance for Fall

“Time and tide wait for no one,” and whether you like it or not, summer is coming to a close and fall is on the way. That means cooler temperatures and less need for your air conditioner. You should start thinking about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair in Los Gatos, CA for fall.

With a few simple steps, you can ensure your cooling and heating equipment will run smoothly when you need it and help prolong the life of your system. Here are a few of the steps to follow. Some you can complete on your own and some will require help from a professional.

Remove Branches and Tall Grass in Proximity

Go outside and take a look at the outdoor unit. Have any branches, weeds, or tall grasses grown around the unit over the summer? Even though you won’t be using the air conditioner for a season, it is still important to clear away the debris and give your outdoor unit at least three feet of clearance.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Once you have cleared away the debris you can run the hose over the outdoor unit to remove any dirt and buildup. This will help reduce the risk of corrosion while it sits covered. Allow the unit to dry all the way.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Take a moment and cover the exterior pipes of your AC unit with some foam. The insulation will help protect the pipes through the winter so you don’t have as big a risk of freezing.

Cover the Unit for Winter

Once the unit is clean and dry you will want to cover it with an outdoor cover. These come in fabric or vinyl and will help keep the winter dirt and debris at bay.

Clear Drain Lines and Pans

Hire an HVAC technician to run an end-of-season check on your air conditioner and furnace. During their routine inspection, they will perform several routine services, including clearing the pans and drain lines.

Check Refrigerant Charge

The HVAC technician will also check the refrigerant charge on your air conditioner to make sure there is enough coolant for efficient operation and ensure there are no leaks.

Clean the Coils

Grime building up on the coils will inhibit efficiency. While the technician is there and has everything open, they should clean the coils to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Stock Up on Air Filters

Before the cold weather rolls in, you will want to stock up on air filters. You will also want to check your filters at the end of the season and swap out any that are clogged.

Vacuum Vents and Registers

At the beginning of a new season, you will also want to vacuum out all the vents and clean the registers. This will help prevent dirt from leeching into the system.

Check Belts and Pulleys

While the HVAC technician is there, they should check the furnace for optimal use. This includes making sure all belts and pulleys are in good condition.

Calibrate Thermostats

Another part of a season check on your HVAC system will include thermostat calibration. Without it, you may not get reliable heating.

Check Fan and Motor Operations

An HVAC technician will also test the furnace to ensure all the fans and motors work efficiently. If these get sluggish, then performance will suffer.

Fall is still a good time for routine air conditioning repair in Los Gatos, CA. Call for an inspection and tune-up and get it on the schedule before winter.