Key Takeaway
Florida summers are quite something. Some people love them, others heave a sigh of relief when the temperatures finally cool. Your air conditioning system is also heaving a metaphorical sigh. It has, after all, worked very hard all summer keeping you cool.
Which means it’s now time to think about fall AC maintenance. Here are some things to check to ensure that your HVAC system is in good condition after all of that stress and strain.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
We talk about air filters a lot because they are hugely important and often neglected. You should be changing or cleaning your filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. Should you have pets with fur or feathers, you might need to do it even more often.
This is also a good time to consider whether you have the right air filters and need to upgrade. If you want HEPA filters, this may involve some tweaking to your system, which is best done in the transitional period when you don’t need either a lot of cooling or heat.
Clean Condenser Coils
Debris, pollen, and grass clippings can all get onto your condenser coils and reduce their efficiency. Hurricane season greatly increases the amount of debris. We always recommend cleaning your condenser coils after storm season is over. Remove any large debris from around your outdoor unit, too, and then rinse with a garden hose. Keep two feet of clearance around your outdoor unit.
Test Your Thermostat
Smart thermostats can help manage energy use and improve your home’s comfort by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.
However, they’re more vulnerable to damage during storm season. Testing and inspecting your thermostat after the storms helps ensure it keeps your home at the correct temperature all winter. Confirm your thermostat is receiving power and check or replace its batteries, if applicable.
If your thermostat isn’t responding correctly or you suspect a wiring issue, contact a qualified HVAC technician for an inspection.
Then, if you do have a smart thermostat, adjust the program and calibrate for winter.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear
Florida’s mild winters mean your HVAC system may continue running throughout the year. Keep your outdoor unit free of leaves, branches and other debris, and maintain at least two feet of clearance around it to allow proper airflow. Avoid covering the unit while it’s operating.
Check for Issues
Most importantly, listen for unusual noises. Unusual noises may indicate a problem with your system. Is airflow even throughout your system? Have you had any issues through the summer? Is there lingering damage from a storm?
Remember that the transitional period, when you can manage without either cooling or heat, is the best time to handle your fall AC maintenance. You can also address any problems with your system before they become serious. If you have to turn the system off for a bit, you won’t have any problems.
Schedule Professional Fall AC Maintenance
Seriously consider scheduling professional maintenance at the end of storm season and before winter sets in. Any problems can be fixed quickly, and you can go into winter knowing that your heating system is working properly.
If you are thinking about maintenance, contact Kabran to schedule it now.
