Head-off emergency service calls by paying attention to your HVAC system during the fall
The worst thing you can do for your heating and cooling system in the fall is to forget that you have one. Yes, temperatures are milder (so maybe the need for your system is not as great), but it still has a big job to take on. As temperatures fluctuate, there actually could be a bigger strain placed on your system (if you don’t take care of your system properly).
Here are some things to keep in mind during the fall that will prevent a system breakdown.
- Temperature settings. It’s 80F one day and 60F the next. What to do?? The one thing you definitely should not do is consistently adjust the temperature setting on your non-programmable thermostat. This can raise utility bills, cause unnecessary on/off cycles, and potentially damage your unit. Set the temperature and forget about it.
- Keeping leaves and debris away from your condenser. Fall is famous (or infamous) for all of the beautiful, falling leaves. Unchecked, leaves can interfere with the performance of your air conditioner or heat pump – cutting off airflow and lowering efficiency. Make sure you rake the leaves away from your system.
Of course, these are only a couple of the things you should do to keep your system running at peak performance levels. Make sure you schedule maintenance with your local heating and cooling professional to prevent any emergency service calls.
What else do you do during the fall to prevent a system malfunction?