Blog

HVAC Maintenance Tips for the End of Summer

As temperatures start to cool off in O’Fallon, MO and summer winds down, now is the time to consider some simple HVAC maintenance tips. Working with our team at Hoff Heating & AC to perform these maintenance tasks regularly can prevent equipment failure, protect the longevity of your system and ensure efficiency. Check out these HVAC maintenance tips for a reliable system year-round.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

Your HVAC system has a filter that’s either washable or replaceable. Washable versions tend to require maintenance once per month. Replaceable filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter you have, how frequently you run your HVAC system and whether you have pets in the home. If you’re unsure how often to service your HVAC filter, work with our team to come up with a practical plan.

In between changing or washing your filter, you should inspect it for signs of debris buildup or wear. Do this every few weeks. You should also look for filter damage that can compromise its ability to trap particulate matter. Hold your filter up to the light to see if it is saturated in particulate matter. Clumps of particulates on the filter’s surface indicate it’s time to replace or wash it. If you have a washable filter, make sure you let it completely dry before putting it back into your unit. This prevents the growth of mold.

If your filter is very dirty, this can impede the normal flow of air through your HVAC system. This can cause damage to your heating and cooling equipment, diminish the quality of your indoor air and decrease system efficiency.

Clearing Your Outdoor AC Unit

Before you head indoors for the winter, perform some basic maintenance on your outdoor AC unit. For example, clear away any grass clippings, weeds or debris that have accumulated around your condenser. If notice any debris inside your condenser near your fan blades, using a hose with a low-pressure stream of water to clean it out. Always maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around your unit.

Inspect Vents and Registers

All the vents and registers in your home should remain open to promote ample airflow. Many homeowners close some of these areas off to try and save money on heating or cooling areas that aren’t frequently used. Unfortunately, this can lead to HVAC strain and damage. If you experience inconsistent temperatures through your home, consider adjusting the dampers in your ductwork.

Check Your Thermostat Settings

Now that you’ll be switching from cooling to heating, check your thermostat programming schedule. Make sure that you’re heating your home to approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter for optimal efficiency and comfort.

Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat prior to the start of fall if you don’t already have one. A smart thermostat provides many convenient and efficient features that a traditional model doesn’t have. For example, a smart thermostat provides you with the ability to adjust your interior temperature remotely. You can review energy usage reports to make efficient changes. If your smart thermostat comes equipped with geofencing technology, your interior temperature can adjust automatically based on the location of your paired smart device.

Schedule a Ductwork Inspection

Homeowners often neglect to pay attention to their ductwork, even though this is a very important part of an HVAC system. You should schedule a periodic inspection of your ductwork. We will look for damage to ducting, such as holes or cracks that allow conditioned air to escape. These areas can often be repaired using sealants or mastic tape.

Also, we will check to see if your ducting is dirty. Professional ductwork cleaning should take place every three to five years. This process removes particulate matter from your ducting before it can circulate through your home and reduce indoor air quality.

Consider having your ducts insulated at the end of summer. This process can help retain the temperature of the air inside your ducting, supporting HVAC system efficiency. You’ll run your equipment less often, lower your monthly energy bills and keep pests out.

Check Your Condensate Line

Your condensate line has been hard at work all summer moving moisture away from your HVAC system. Check this drain line at the end of summer to ensure there isn’t any debris or mineral deposits preventing the flow of water. If this line clogs, pooling water can result. This can damage your HVAC system and nearby belongings. Water accumulation can also promote the growth of mold, which can be devastating to your health.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection and Maintenance

We recommend that you schedule an HVAC inspection at least once per year. Ideally, prior to the start of summer or winter. Some homeowners opt for an appointment twice per year. This includes the end of summer before use of your furnace and once at the end of winter, prior to using your AC for the first time.

There are several tasks that are included in routine HVAC inspections and maintenance. We will check all electrical connections to ensure wiring is intact and nothing is loose. We also clean interior components. If certain parts become coated in particulate matter, this can decrease their efficiency. They will have to work harder to function, resulting in system strain. You could experience more frequent repair needs and a shorter system lifespan when you fail to schedule routine maintenance.

Part of routine HVAC maintenance includes ensuring your AC system is ready to go dormant for the winter. We will inspect refrigerant lines for leaks, ensure there isn’t any damage to your outdoor condenser and clean fan blades and motors.

We check HVAC safety features to ensure you’ll be safe while heating your home all fall and winter. In addition to our inspection, make sure you maintain your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Use their test button to ensure they work. Also, replace batteries each year. These units usually last five to seven years. Replace them when necessary to ensure you and your family are alerted to any emergency situations.

Consider an HVAC Upgrade

If your HVAC system is nearing the end of its useful life or you’ve been experiencing an uptick in furnace or AC repairs, the end of summer is a great time to upgrade with a new heater or AC installation. There tends to be a low demand for new equipment installation during this time of the year compared to early spring or summer.

We can help you determine the type of equipment and size that you should invest in. It’s very important that we choose the right-sized furnace or AC unit. Something too small could experience extensive strain that will shorten the lifespan of your equipment. This will also increase repair needs and monthly utility bills. Too large of equipment can result in short cycling or uneven heating or cooling throughout your home.

Hoff Heating & AC is available to help you with all your end-of-summer HVAC maintenance needs. We also perform repairs and can install new heating or cooling equipment when necessary. Reach out to our team here at Hoff Heating & AC in O’Fallon to schedule an appointment today.