Simple Tips to Prep Your A/C Unit for Fall

With cool weather rapidly approaching and the leaves beginning to change in turn, we know that Fall is upon us. Residents throughout Arizona can prepare for Fall this year by taking some time to properly winterize both their heating and cooling systems.  A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your HVAC systems while substantially increasing the quality and comfort of your home.

Today, we are going to unveil a few simple tips that you can utilize today to prepare your air conditioning unit for the coming Fall season.

Take Time to Winterize Your Systems

First and foremost, preparing your HVAC system for the changing seasons can be integral to protecting your home. There are a few ways that you can tackle your winterizing process, so let’s highlight the most effective ones.

First, consider looking for any gaps or spaces between your windows, piping, and foundation. These gaps are common enough that they can create serious swings in your home’s internal temperature. You’ll save money on heating by re-sealing regularly.

Second, consider changing all air filters in your home. Most homeowners don’t realize that their air filters need to be changed with regularity. In doing so, you can prevent any potential build-up of pathogens or allergens. Additionally, regularly cleaning your air filters will ensure your system operates at its peak efficiency, thus running less while working more effectively.

Third, run your heat before you need to in order to test the system. The first time that you turn on your heating system for the Fall, you are likely to experience some funky smells including burnt dust from disuse. Let the unit run until the smell goes away.

Finally, consider hiring a professional HVAC company to clean all of your vents. Properly cleaning your vents will allow for better airflow, more efficient HVAC use, and a more comfortable home as a result.

Schedule An HVAC Tune-Up

Like a well-oiled machine, your HVAC system will operate best when it experiences a little bit of care and attention. Regular HVAC maintenance tune-ups can go a long way toward preventing major issues down the road. To avoid any unexpected emergencies when the timing couldn’t be worse, such as a cold week in Fall, consider undergoing seasonal inspections.

A seasonal HVAC inspection and tune-up service will encompass a few typical actions.

• Clean All Air Ducts
• Check Refrigerant Levels
• Test Ducts For Seals & Leaks
• Inspect and Tighten All Connections
• Inspect Belts and Oil Motors

HVAC tune-up services are the best way to catch a problem before it manifests into an emergency.

Perform An Exterior Inspection

While much of our focus has been on the interior of your home, preventing issues during the Fall can require a little bit of legwork outside, as well. Find your external air conditioning unit and be sure to remove all potential debris from the surrounding condenser unit. A full summer’s worth of dirt, grime, leaves, and weeds can lead to disruption in airflow if left unattended. Rake, mow, and hose away any debris to keep your system functional.

Install Additional Insulation

If you want to go all-in on protecting your exterior HVAC system from the elements, consider installing foam pipe covers around any exposed wiring and piping. Use duct tape to affix the foam insulation in place while preventing the pipes from ever cracking or freezing. For suggestions on which insulation to use, contact One Stop Heating & Cooling for insight and support!

Inspect Your Thermostat & Fans

When was the last time that you changed your thermostat’s settings? With a change of the season, you can spend some time dialing in new settings for your air conditioner’s thermostat. Cooler temps will allow us to run our HVAC system less often, decreasing use while increasing our comfort. After you inspect your thermostat for any issues, consider upgrading to a programmable option to save money in the future.

Upon finishing with your thermostat, take some time to go room-by-room in your home to change the direction of the fans. Set your fans to rotate in the opposite direction when the cool weather arrives. This will allow you to keep your home more comfortable while reducing potential heating costs.

Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling!

One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated business located in Phoenix, AZ. With locations scattered throughout the surrounding area, One Stop is always just a call away from assisting you with your air conditioning and heating service needs. The team at One Stop specializes in HVAC sales, service, installation, and repairs.

Customers at One Stop Heating & Cooling enjoy

• Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Quality Workmanship
• 24/7 Emergency Service
• Affordable Financing on Approval
• Free Estimates!

Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling today for your next HVAC service!