The fall brings chilly temperatures that will only get colder as it turns to winter. Making sure your HVAC system is prepared for the coming months will help you keep your home comfortable in the most frigid temperatures.
At Ambient Edge, it’s our job to provide our fellow Nevadans with the HVAC services and information they need to keep their heating and cooling systems in great shape. That’s why we’re happy to share our 7 tips to prepare your HVAC system for the fall.
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Check Your Air Filters
HVAC filters prevent allergens, pollutants, and other unwanted particles from entering your home and causing adverse health effects. They also help your HVAC units run more effectively, which will come in handy when temperatures drop.
To get your HVAC ready for the coming fall season, remove your air filters and check for dust and debris buildup. If they seem clogged up with dirt and other particles, replace them with new filters. Doing so will allow air to travel through your system with ease and increase the efficiency of your heating unit.
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Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Whether you’re retiring your outdoor AC unit for the year or prepping your outdoor heat pump, you’ll want to ensure your outdoor units are clean. Cutting down overhanging tree limbs and removing debris from around your outdoor units will ensure that they stay in perfect condition throughout the cold months.
Cleaning your outdoor heat pump will give it the airflow it needs to run efficiently. Doing the same for your outdoor AC unit will ensure it’s ready to use when spring and summer arrive. If your outdoor units have dirt and debris lodged inside, you may want to schedule a maintenance appointment with your local HVAC service.
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Clean Air Vents
Your ducts and vents circulate air through your home and keep you comfortable when the weather gets cold. To make sure your ducts are operating properly, remove furniture and other objects that may be obstructing them.
You can also use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from inside your vents. Cleaning your air vents will allow your HVAC system to evenly distribute warm air throughout your home this fall.
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Seal Air Leaks
If you have air leaks in your home, your HVAC system will have to work overtime to keep you warm this fall. Windows and doors are the most common source of leaks, so you’ll want to check them for drafts.
To check windows and doors for air leaks, simply hold a piece of paper up to their frames. If the paper moves, you likely have an air leak. Fixing a leak is as easy as installing new weatherstripping.
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Install a Programmable Thermostat
Weather patterns and humidity levels can change unpredictably in the fall season. You might find that you have to turn the thermostat up to combat an early morning chill, only to turn it back down when midday humidity sets in.
A programmable thermostat can be set to adapt to unexpected fluctuations in temperature. You can even control your programmable thermostat using a smartphone app when you’re on the go. Your new thermostat will help you keep your home comfortable throughout the entire day without having to adjust it constantly.
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Consider Replacing Old Units
If your heating unit is 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to invest in a replacement. Older units use more energy to produce heat and are often less effective than newer models. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills or that your heating unit fails to warm your home evenly, you should consider installing a new one.
Sometimes it’s hard to determine if your HVAC system needs to be replaced. If you’re unsure if you need a replacement, you can always call your local HVAC repair service. They’ll be able to send out a technician to take a look at your heating unit and determine if it can be used for another season.
If they find that the heating unit needs to be replaced, they’ll recommend a new energy-efficient model that’s perfectly sized for your home. They’ll even install it at a time that fits your busy schedule. That way, your home and your HVAC system will be prepared for the chilly fall weather.
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Schedule an HVAC Tuneup
We suggest scheduling a tuneup if you want your HVAC system to be ready for anything this fall has to offer. During a tuneup appointment, an HVAC technician will run tests on your units and identify any minor issues that have the potential to turn into massive problems.
They’ll perform small and inexpensive fixes to ensure your HVAC system runs as effectively and efficiently as possible this fall. The adjustments they make will also improve the lifespan of your units and help them use less energy, which means more money in your pocket.
Contact Us for the Repairs Your HVAC System Needs to Combat Fall Weather
While you can make several DIY adjustments to your HVAC system to prepare it for the cold season, it’s best to have a professional technician look at your heating equipment. A NATE-certified tech from Ambient Edge will be able to diagnose issues and perform the fixes your HVAC system needs to be 100% ready for fall.
Contact our team today to schedule a preventative maintenance visit, an HVAC repair, or a replacement installation. We have a number of different discounts and promotional offers that can help you save money on the services you need to stay safe during the coming months.