Why the HVAC Needs Fall Maintenance
The frequency at which the HVAC system is serviced directly correlates to the health and longevity of the system’s components. Regular service allows homeowners to rest easy, knowing their system is performing at its best all year round. During the maintenance check, an expert technician can find and fix any system difficulties. Consider the following benefits of scheduling fall HVAC maintenance.
Inspection of the HVAC system
An HVAC system must be maintained on a specific schedule to keep it running at peak efficiency. HVAC maintenance plans include evaluating the complete system so homeowners can ensure their systems are in working order. Multi-step checklists are often used for indoor and outdoor inspections to ensure that all working parts of the system are assessed and repaired if needed. To ensure proper operation, all equipment areas are thoroughly checked, validated, and cleaned before running through a cycle. The technician should provide the homeowner with a written report of all findings, which should include photos of the work done and a list of any existing or future problems discovered.
Extend the life of the HVAC system
An HVAC system is a long-term investment in the home’s comfort and quality of life. Keeping the system up to date and in working order also helps extend the system's life and raise the property's value. When an HVAC expert performs regular maintenance, they can check for system problems and make any modifications, repairs, or replacements.
Preserve energy-efficient conditions
The monthly utility bill could rise if the heating and air conditioning system isn’t working correctly. Dirty filters clog the system as it draws in more dust, grime, pet dander, and other airborne particles. If the system is clogged, it must work harder to produce hair, causing the utility bill to rise. The working parts are also strained, meaning they could break down sooner than expected. Seasonal maintenance ensures that the system is running smoothly and efficiently.
Repair and replacement options
Having a regular inspection and maintenance plan allows homeowners to know of any faults or underlying problems the system faces. Problems and worn parts that aren’t addressed promptly can lead to costly repairs or even system failure. When a system fails, the entire unit may need to be replaced, which comes at a steep price.
Prepare for cold weather
After working hard throughout the summer to keep the house cool, the HVAC system should be checked to ensure it’s prepared to heat the house throughout winter. Conducting a pre-winter maintenance check in the fall is advisable. Even though problems can sometimes emerge, a routine maintenance check helps prevent a system breakdown in the middle of winter by addressing any operational difficulties before they become significant problems.
Provide cleaner air
A home may be full of airborne contaminants if a routine maintenance check hasn’t been performed by the time fall arrives. Airborne pollutants can cause allergies, respiratory disorders, and asthma in people exposed to them for long periods in the home. Routine maintenance ensures the air is clean and healthy to avoid irritation and allergies throughout the winter.
Ensure safety
Safety is critical for any piece of machinery that is used regularly. A heating system that isn’t properly maintained can be both expensive and unsafe. In the fall, a service specialist can inspect the system for leaks or safety issues before the heating season begins, when the system is most critical.
Indoor and outdoor maintenance
It’s best to keep storage containers and other items away from the heating and cooling system to ensure air flows efficiently. Additionally, ensure all air vents throughout the home are clean and clear of obstructions. The same regulations apply to the space around the outdoor heat pump of an HVAC system. Yard work is best done in the fall when the weather is pleasant. A two-foot radius around the heat pump should be cleared of any material. Trim shrubs, remove vines, and cut back tall grass to accomplish this. The air may move freely because of the open space.
Homeowners should schedule an HVAC tune-up every Fall. With winter weather quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare the HVAC system. Maintaining a system’s cooling and heating efficiency year after year is essential for HVAC systems of any age, new or old. This way, homeowners can be assured that their HVAC systems are running efficiently.
Just in Case Mechanical offers residential and commercial plumbing, sewer, water softener, electrical, lighting, and HVAC services Lancaster County. Call us today at (717)696-1511.
