What a gorgeous time of year in New England! The leaves are changing, the breezes are fresh and brisk, and the geese are flying by. But don’t get so caught up in the beauty of the season that you forget about your autumn to-do list. What should you be doing? Here’s a handy fall HVAC checklist that will help you ensure that your air conditioner is secured after the summer and that your heating system is ready to come on.
Step 1: Consider Your Air Conditioner
If there have been any concerns with your air conditioner this summer, such as odd noises or smells, increasing electric bills, short cycling, or unsatisfactory cooling, it’s better to get repairs done now. Leaving it in disuse to get dusty when it’s already struggling can worsen problems, so don’t hesitate to get air conditioning servicing in Boston, MA.
Step 2: Turn the AC Off
We’re not talking about switching your thermostat from “cool” to “off” or “heat” at the end of the summer. Doing that will leave the air conditioner still powered up. It needs to be completely shut down, and that will require you to go outside. The AC power switch is located near the outdoor unit, in a weatherproof box. Simply find it and switch it off.
Step 3: AC Cleanup
Your outdoor unit has been sitting through everything the summer has thrown at it—lawn clippings, bird droppings, and more. It will be in much better shape come next spring if you get it all cleaned up now. Any debris such as cut grass, twigs, or fallen leaves should be raked away. Then, use your hose to wash the unit clean. Just don’t use a powerful nozzle and damage the coils. Keep the water flow gentle.
Step 4: AC Protection
There are special covers made for AC outdoor units which can be purchased from hardware or home goods distributors. It’s also possible to make a cover using heavy plastic sheeting or a tarp. Just be certain that it’s tightly secured so it won’t blow away during the stormy winter winds. And if you’ve just finished washing the unit, let it dry completely before covering it, so mold won’t grow.
Step 5: Consider Your Ducts
Have your ducts been making whistling noises? Does it seem like a lot of dust gets into them? Are you concerned about rising heating and cooling costs? Has it been years since you’ve had a professional take a look at your ductwork? It’s a good idea to have ducts inspected from time to time, so any leaky spots can be properly sealed up. You don’t want to pay for heat this winter just to waste it.
Step 6: Get Heating Maintenance
Whether you have a boiler, a radiant or hydronic system, or any kind of furnace—oil, propane, gas, or electric—that heating system requires maintenance. And at Cooling Unlimited, we provide maintenance to heating systems of all kinds. Maintenance will keep your heat running effectively and efficiently, with as few repairs as possible, for as many years as possible.
There’s another reason for heating maintenance, though: safety. No matter what energy source your heating system uses, there are risks associated with it if the system is in poor condition such as electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even an electrical fire. Keep your family safe as well as warm by getting heating maintenance this fall.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to speak with qualified HVAC experts.
