As summer draws to a close and the cooler temperatures of fall move in, it’s time to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the changing season. Creating an end-of-the-year maintenance checklist starts with ensuring that your unit is functioning properly so you can have peace of mind on those chilly winter days. Getting trusted HVAC experts in Vancouver WA, to inspect the condition of your equipment can help you avoid costly repairs down the road and ensure an energy-efficient system while keeping you comfortable all year long. Here is what you should have on your end-of-the-year HVAC maintenance checklist:
Check the Filters
Dirty air filters are a leading cause of reduced airflow and high energy costs, so checking and replacing your filters should be at the top of any end-of-year maintenance checklist. A clean filter will help keep your system running efficiently and ensure that your home remains free from dust and pollutants.
Besides changing the filter, other tasks to consider include adjusting or lubricating fan belts, cleaning debris or dirt from exterior ducts and coils, inspecting the burners in furnaces, and checking all electrical components. Taking care of your HVAC system with regular checkups can save money by ensuring improved air quality, better comfort control, and lower energy bills.
Test the Thermostat
Your thermostat settings can make or break your system’s performance – setting them just right can save you energy and money in the long run. Regular testing of the thermostat will help ensure you’re never too hot or cold in your home and check for potential power waste. It doesn’t take much time or effort – either have a qualified technician take a look or simply turn it on and off stringently once a year to see if everything is working exactly as it should be.
Any time your settings are off, it could cause the system to struggle or burn too much energy resulting in higher bills – both of which can be avoided with regular tests of your thermostat. Such action ensures that the air conditioner isn’t running for longer than necessary and provides optimal comfort levels for you and your family.
Clean the Coils
Removing dust, dirt, and hair from the evaporator coil will help increase output efficiency and stop any funny smells or unexpected issues from popping up in the near future. Following instructions in the user manual for how to safely access, clean, and reassemble all parts of the unit is a crucial key to success. Start by turning off the power before opening access panels and carefully removing filters if necessary. Once all is clear, a vacuum can effectively remove debris, while mild detergent on a soft brush or cloth will ensure that dust residue is not left behind. That way, you can look forward to a warm winter cozy with peace of mind.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
Believe it or not, this simple task can make a huge difference in how well your unit operates and can even extend the life of your system. Too low, and you could find yourself with an overworked machine or even dealing with a complete freeze-up. Yet if those levels are too high, you might experience wear and tear on the unit earlier than expected. That’s why having trained professionals meticulously check and adjust these levels during HVAC maintenance is crucial – otherwise, you could be saying goodbye to comfort in your home until help arrives.
Inspect the Ductwork
Your ducts provide essential pathways for hot and cold air, which keeps all the rooms in your home comfortable. But even when nothing appears broken, regular duct inspections prevent costly repairs and ensure optimal air quality. Often, what looks like a minor leak or loose connection can result in dramatic energy waste. At the same time, damages or gaps can allow pollutants into your system and circulate them through your household. Don’t neglect this simple task – make sure your end-of-the-year maintenance plan includes checking the condition of your ductwork.
Schedule a Maintenance with the Professional
An experienced technician can provide a much-needed maintenance checkup, utilizing specialized tools to make sure that the system is functioning at its most efficient and without any hidden issues. This thorough inspection should also include basic cleaning and part replacements where needed in order to keep your HVAC running smoothly throughout the year. With their expertise, trained technicians will ensure that your HVAC is properly taken care of and all potential danger spots are addressed quickly before they cause any damaging problems or further inconvenience.
A good HVAC maintenance checkup is essential to keeping your heating and cooling system running optimally throughout the year. Following these simple steps as you end one year and prepare for the next can help ensure you get the most out of your HVAC system this holiday season and beyond.
