The Fall season is a time when we all think about our heating and air conditioning system. With the cooler temperatures near Lake Hartwell, Georgia and surrounding areas, its critical to be thinking about how and what you should do to keep your valuable system in good maintenance and to prevent problems over the winter months. The leaves on the trees start to turn yellow, red, and orange. The weather becomes cooler and crispier. And we all start thinking about winterizing our lake boats and waverunners.
And for many folks, Fall means it’s time to start preparing their Heating units for colder weather coming in the upcoming 4 months. If you’re thinking this way, then we recommend you read this blog post to get the best recommendations for insuring proper care of your heating and air conditioning system. Or, call us at B&C Mechanical Hartwell and we'll schedule a time for us to do a heater checkup and help get your system ready for the cooler months ahead. We've outlined below some of the key items we recommend for all commercial and residential customers to make sure is done.
Re-check your settings on your thermostat
One of the best things you can do for your furnace unit is to reprogram your thermostat. By doing this, you will ensure that your unit is only running when it needs to be. This will save you money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your furnace.
Clean or Replace the Air Filters
Another important furnace maintenance tip is to clean the air filters. Dirty air filters can cause a number of problems, such as decreased airflow and increased energy costs. Luckily, cleaning the air filters is a quick and easy task that you can do yourself. Simply remove the filters from your furnace unit and wash them with soap and water.
Visually inspect the Ductwork
The ductwork in your home plays a critical role in the efficiency of your furnace. If there are leaks in the ductwork, then heated air can escape, leading to higher energy bills. To avoid this, it’s important to inspect the ductwork and have any leaks repaired.
Have a professional cleaning of your HVAC system
Even if you take all of the necessary steps to maintain your furnace, it’s still a good idea to get a system cleaning once a year. This will remove any dirt and debris that has built up over time, making your it run more efficiently.
Payout attention to your HVAC system that is outdoors
It’s important to create a cleaning schedule for the outdoor unit of your furnace. This includes removing any debris that has accumulated, such as leaves and twigs. You should also hose down the unit to remove any dirt or dust.
Look for Warning Signs
One of the best ways to avoid expensive repairs is to know the warning signs that your furnace is in need of service. Some common signs include strange noises, increased energy bills, and decreased airflow. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s time to call a professional.
Schedule a Fall furnace Inspection
Even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your heating and air conditioning system, it’s always a good idea, and recommended, to schedule an inspection in the Fall. This will get a professional to take a look at your HVAC system and make sure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently.
Visually Check All Electrical Connections and Systems
Before the weather gets too cold, it’s important to check all of the electrical connections on your furnace. This includes the wires, capacitors, and contactors. If any of these are loose, then it could cause serious problems.
Tighten All Bolts and Screws (Great Habit to Get Into!)
As your hvac ages, the bolts and screws can become loose. This can lead to efficiency issues and higher energy costs. To avoid this, it’s important to tighten all of the bolts and screws on your unit.
Weird Smells and Noises, Don't Ignore Those...report it
If you notice any strange smells or noises coming from your furnace, then it’s important to have it checked out. These could be signs of a serious problem, such as an electrical issue.
If you’re concerned about your furnace, then it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with B&C Mechanical Hartwell. We can check all of the connections and make sure that everything is running smoothly. Contact us at 706-376-5341 today to schedule a fall HVAC inspection.