How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall

If last winter taught us anything, it’s that even Houston can be hit by Old Man Winter. Don’t be caught in the cold! Prepare your HVAC system now, and you’ll be guaranteed cozy nights and comfortable days, no matter what Mother Nature decides to share this winter.

Replace your air filters

Our air filters work hard, catching the dust, pollen, and other pollutants that can irritate your family’s sinuses and reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency. Air Specialist recommends replacing your filter every 60 to 90 days and more often if it looks dirty. If you’ve been slacking, fall is the perfect time to make the change. You’ll be rewarded with cleaner air and possibly a lower energy bill.

Clean around your outside unit

A clean outside unit is a more efficient one. Clean out any sticks, weeds, leaves, or trash that’s trapped under the unit. You can hose down the fan, but make sure you turn off the electricity to your system first! The extra rinse will help remove some of the pollen and dirt that gets trapped in the unit and, consequently, blown into your home.

Seal off the leaks

Don’t pay money to heat the outdoors in the winter! Now is the time to seal your windows and doors. Re-caulk the windows and replace the weatherstrips on your doors, if necessary.

Clean your vents

It’s been a warm, humid summer, and your vents might be harboring mold, pollen, dust, pet hair, and other debris. These culprits can build up inside your ducts, obstructing the airflow just when you need it to warm your home. Remove your vent covers and use your vacuum to sweep away the offenders.

Turn on your furnace

Turn up your thermostat until the heat kicks on and see how quickly your home heats up. You may notice a stale or funny smell at first, but it will subside. If the heater isn’t working, call for a repair visit. Your family will thank you for this proactive step when the first cold snap hits.

Schedule your fall maintenance check

You’ve done your part. Now let us do ours. Regular maintenance checks can save you money over the long run. They also may be a requirement of your warranty. Proper maintenance can add years to the life of your HVAC system and cut down on your energy bills. Our technicians will lubricate all moving parts and inspect all blower components, cleaning and adjusting them as needed. They’ll find and fix minor problems before they cause too much trouble. And, if there’s a bigger problem, we can work with you to find the most cost-efficient and practical solutions.

Air Specialist has maintenance plans to meet all needs and family budgets. Even if you’re not part of our maintenance program, you can still schedule a maintenance check to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the change of seasons. Contact Air Specialist now at [csad_phone] for your HVAC maintenance needs.