By the time the scorching San Antonio summer gives way to a slightly-less-scorching autumn, you’re probably ready for a break from the heat. But is your home prepared?
If you’re like most Texans, your air conditioning unit worked hard in the summer months. As you look forward to the coming cold weather, your entire HVAC system may need servicing to ensure that it continues to work perfectly. Here’s a quick HVAC inspection checklist of things to do to help you get started.
Clean Up Your Unit
Just as your home needs a deep cleaning a few times per year, you need to occasionally clean your HVAC system to keep it running optimally.
Outdoors
Clear leaves and debris away from your outdoor HVAC unit. This prevents any blockages from happening, as well as any reductions in the unit’s ability to provide heat.
Not all of the debris is located inside of the unit, however. Trim any other bushes or landscaping that are in the surrounding area of the unit to prevent plants from coming close to your air conditioner’s fan or other components.
If you see debris has built up inside the unit, it’s important to turn off the unit’s power source completely. Once you have done so, remove the unit’s covering and clear out any leaves or other materials using your hand or a vacuum.
Indoors
Clean all your air filters to remove any pollen or dust that accumulated during the summer. Since there are several types of air filters for HVAC the instructions will vary by model so always check your manufacturer’s suggestions. This is recommended since some filters are designed to be replaced, while other types are simply cleaned.
Cleaning your AC filter may be as simple as vacuuming away any dust and scrubbing the part down with plain or soapy water and a stiff brush. All filters connected to your HVAC system should also be cleaned in the fall.
Perform An AC Inspection
If you know how HVAC systems work, you may feel comfortable enough to inspect your air conditioner on your own. Take a walk around your home with a flashlight. Inspect every part of your HVAC system, including the furnace, ductwork, vents and outdoor condenser unit. Look for any obvious issues such as leaks, cracks or loose seals.
Turn your system on and do another walkthrough of your home. Check that the air is moving through all your vents. Don’t be alarmed if you detect a burnt smell the first time you turn on your heat. That’s normal; the dust that built up in your furnace all year gets burned up the first time you use your heat.
ABC Can Inspect And Maintain Your Air Conditioner And Heater
If you spot anything that concerns you, if you notice a burnt smell that persists or if you don’t feel comfortable doing the inspection yourself, contact an HVAC service company such as ABC Home & Commercial Services to check things out. A professional can perform maintenance tasks, such as lubricating moving parts and tightening electrical connections to keep your system in good working order. By following these simple steps you’ll be well prepared for the annual drop in temperature with a fully functioning HVAC unit to keep your family and home comfortable every day.
