5 Tips for End of Summer HVAC Maintenance

We’re at the end of August, which means cooler weather is just around the corner. Is your home’s HVAC system ready for the season change? There’s more to it than just turning down the A/C. To help you be prepared, here are five tips for end-of-summer HVAC maintenance.

Clean/Unclog Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils make your system work harder. Moisture, mildew, and other obstructions can easily build up in the condensate drain and cause costly damage. Be sure to check and clean the area – especially if you haven’t all season!

Clear Obstructions On and Around the Unit

Examine the surface and surrounding area of your unit for anything that could obstruct airflow and cause major problems next cooling season. Remove branches, weeds, grass trimmings, and other dirt/debris that’s gathered over the summer. Make it a habit throughout fall and keep the leaves from getting in and causing problems with your A/C.

Clean or Replace the Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter is the number one cause of HVAC system failure. Keeping yours clean helps maintain indoor air quality and comfort, and replacing or cleaning (if it’s reusable) the filter before the fall will boost your system’s performance and efficiency.

Use Your A/C Unit Less

It sounds obvious but is easier said than done, especially if you’re used to running your A/C around the clock during a hot summer. Crank the temperature down, open windows and use ceiling fans to give your A/C a break.Another option is to invest in a programmable thermostat. These let you pre-set the temperature of your home at different times of the day, and many connect to Wi-Fi and let you operate them from a smartphone. Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat go even further, learning your habits after just a week to automatically adapt and adjust based on your preferences.

Schedule Professional Maintenance/Inspection

An HVAC specialist has the knowledge and expertise to diagnose problems, as well as the resources to fix them. Having one assess your system now will keep it running for the rest of this season and help you be ready for next summer. The experts at Stafford Home Service Inc. are here for all your HVAC needs. Our technicians can handle any system repairs or maintenance to keep you ready for whatever the season may bring. Contact us to learn more.