4 Steps to Prep Your HVAC System for Fall

It’s sad, but true. Before you know it, you’ll have to put away the shorts and T-shirts, winterize the pool, and get ready to face the cold winter weather. However, you may have to tackle more tasks than you think in your Manassas, Virginia, home. One of those extra jobs is taking care of your HVAC system. You will need to prepare your furnace for the heavy workload of the winter. There are some tasks you will need to take care of, but much of HVAC system maintenance will require expert attention. Here are a few steps to prep your HVAC system for the fall season.

Get a Tuneup or Service

During preventive maintenance, we thoroughly examine your furnace to make sure that it is ready to give you the warmth you need when winter arrives. In addition, this house call will improve the overall efficiency of your system, resulting in a lower utility bill and less wear and tear on the unit.

Check the Filters

Hopefully, you change or clean the filter in your air conditioner and furnace regularly. However, if you’ve been negligent, check your filter right away. Once you’ve changed the filter, remember that depending on the type, it may need to be cleaned or replaced every 90 days. Once per month might even be necessary if you run the system frequently. By checking the filter to make sure that it’s not clogged with dirt or debris, you will help to keep your HVAC system operating efficiently and keep the air free of airborne allergens and contaminants.

Head Outdoors

Once the temperatures get below freezing, you probably won’t want to venture outdoors unless you absolutely must. To avoid an unnecessary trek outside during winter, take advantage of the current warm temperatures and see to some outdoor tasks.

If you have a heat pump, you need to check the outside portion of the unit, for signs of debris or damage. To clean the unit, start by turning off the power. Then take a hose and rinse out all the dirt, leaves, and twigs that have accumulated over the spring and summer. If anything is stuck or difficult to remove or there is any sign of damage, contact your HVAC technician.

More Ways to Enhance HVAC System Efficiency

During the service call, your technician will thoroughly clean your HVAC system. Before leaving your home, the technician will turn on the heat, and let it run for a few minutes to make sure everything is working properly. During this time, it may smell a bit odd from disuse, but that’s normal. The real goal is to make sure that it is blowing out heat. In addition to scheduling preventive maintenance and staying on top of filter changes, there is more you can do to further aid air conditioning efficiency:

• Ensure you are using and programming your thermostat correctly. The preventive maintenance visit is a perfect time to check with your technician if you are unsure about how to correctly program your thermostat.
• Keep all vents/registers open so heat will circulate properly throughout your home. Keeping vents closed can damage the ductwork and HVAC system.
• To help your furnace to do its job, you will also need to check the windows and doors around your home and seal air leaks that could allow drafts to enter your home. Caulk and weatherstripping are simple and inexpensive materials that go a long way toward reducing energy waste.

Taking preventive action is important for efficient HVAC performance and to help your system to live up to its expected life. Our technicians at Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning can provide services and advice that will guarantee comfort throughout the cold winter months. Give our experts a call at 703-783-0145 to learn more about getting your furnace or other heating system ready for winter, or about our energy-efficient HVAC systems.

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