Whether you've been putting off HVAC maintenance or made it a priority throughout the summer season, now that fall has arrived, there are a few fall maintenance tasks that you should definitely pay attention to. Here are five tasks we think should be your top priority.
1. Schedule Annual Maintenance
Your HVAC system should be serviced by a technician at least once per year, preferably twice, to keep it running properly. If it's been awhile since a qualified professional last checked it out, then the fall season is a great time to make that happen.
2. Set a Monthly Reminder for the Air Filter
Although it’s a small component, your system's air filter is essential for proper operation of the equipment. Set a monthly reminder to check the air filter and then either replace it or clean it, depending on the type used by your system, whenever it’s gotten filled with debris.
3. Check Gutters and Downspouts for Debris
Cleaning out your gutters and downspouts isn't a chore you ever look forward to, but as a homeowner, it’s definitely a necessary task. There’s a good chance that the summer wind has caused dirt and debris to collect in these areas, so be sure to check them as part of your fall maintenance.
4. Clean Your Registers
You might be surprised to learn that obstructed registers are a common reason why HVAC equipment stops working efficiently. The good news is that this is an easy problem to fix. Simply check the registers for any blockages and then clean them to get rid of dirt and debris.
5. Clean Up the Outdoor Unit
If your HVAC system includes an outdoor unit, there’s a very good chance that debris has covered it up a bit over the summer. Start off by removing larger pieces such as branches and bird’s nests, and then hose down the unit to get rid of everything else.
For more fall maintenance info or any other questions regarding home comfort, contact the professionals at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We've been serving New Haven and the surrounding area since 1963.