The days are slowly starting to get shorter and the temperatures are starting to cool down. If you stop for a minute, you can almost feel fall in the air. Kids are preparing to go back to school and friends are fitting in their last summer vacations of the year. It is an enjoyable, yet busy, time of year.
Even though it can be a busy time, do not neglect the care and maintenance of your HVAC system. Doing so could be a costly and uncomfortable mistake. Homeowners need to take this time to attend to some summer air conditioning maintenance issues in order to ensure their system continues to work as it should. Add these tasks to your to-do list:
Changing or Cleaning Air Filters
HVAC systems are equipped with air filters. These filters help reduce dust, dander, dog hair, allergens and pollutants in the air in your home. Most of these filters are disposable and easy to replace. However, some older HVAC systems have filters that need gently washed and dried instead of replaced. Install a new filter or clean your filter now, so that at the beginning of next summer season your air conditioner will be ready to go. However, in many HVAC systems the heating and cooling units share an air filter. In this case, you will want to be sure to change your air filter about every one to three months, or according to your owner’s manual.
Inspect the Condensate Pan and Drain
The condensate pan and drain collect moisture from the system and removes it to the outdoors. You should check the pain and drain for the presence of water. Leaving this water can create problems, such as freezing, during the winter months.
Check the Condenser
The condenser moves heat to the outdoors and starts the cooling process when the a/c unit is turned on. You should check the condenser for any dirt in the coils or fins and wash it with a hose. At this time you can also assess the outside of your unit for any fescue overgrowth that may be blocking the necessary airflow.
If you prefer, you can leave these a/c maintenance tasks for the pros. Call your local HVAC Contractors for Air Conditioning Maintenance or for HVAC service before summer’s end in order to keep your HVAC system running at its best all year long.