Fall is finally here in Tennessee!
Your HVAC unit will likely start doing less cooling and more heating soon. To make sure you’re ready for the season, here’s a do-it-yourself checklist for fall HVAC maintenance:
Replace your filter
Make sure you’re checking your filter every month to see if it needs to be replaced. We’re often surprised by how rarely customers check and replace their filters. This is an easy way to keep your unit running smoothly. Some people think filters are designed to protect you from dust and allergens. They can do that, but their primary function is to protect your AC unit.
When your dirty filter goes unreplaced, your unit is at risk. A dirty filter makes your unit work harder, meaning it will take longer to cool your home, meaning your utility bill can increase. A new, clean filter can keep your unit running smoothly. We recommend changing your air filter every two months if you have pets and every three months if you don’t. But you should check the filter on the first of every month just to see if it needs to be changed ahead of schedule.
Clean up around the heating system
Just like your outside unit should be clear of any sticks, leaves and debris, make sure your indoor unit doesn’t have any combustible products stored nearby. In addition, make sure registers don’t have any obstructions. Particularly if you have an attic unit, be sure none of the items stored in your attic are too close to the unit or on top of ducts.
Give everything a quick inspection
Make sure your thermostat is working properly. Check your system for cracks, dents or other damage. At the same time, look over electrical work to make sure everything is connected, but steer clear of touching anything without a professional
Replace batteries
If you haven’t yet been awakened in the middle of the night by a beeping smoke detector, expect to be soon. Now that you’ll be turning your furnace back on, it’s a good time to make sure your smoke detectors are in great working condition. Spending a few dollars on 9-volt batteries could save your life. While you’re at it, replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can easily go undetected and can be deadly.
Get a tune-up
This one will require an expert, but it’s worth it. The Roscoe Brown annual heating tune-up consists of filter check, gas valve, operation of safety controls, sequencer, heating element in operation, CO level, heat exchanger; clean blower, interior of manifold compartment, pilot, burners; test for gas leaks; clean and calibrate thermostat; check and clean humidifier; check heat pump reversing valve and defrost cycle.
As always, we recommend you sign up for Roscoe Brown’s Heating and Air Maintenance Agreement. The single most important step you can take to save money, save energy, extend your current equipment’s life and live comfortably in your home is to schedule semi-annual (twice a year) maintenance on your HVAC system. With it, you can rest assured your home will remain comfortable and operate efficiently and economically all year long.
Twice-annual system tune-ups:
- Improve efficiency and reduce your energy bills by keeping your equipment running at optimum performance.
- Extend the life of your equipment four to six years, or 25%, saving you money over the long run.
- Result in your experiencing fewer costly repairs by diagnosing problems early, and giving you a chance to make less-costly interim repairs to keep your current system working.
- Keep your unit under the manufacturer’s warranty terms.
