Fall HVAC maintenance is a must in Keller, TX. With temperatures reaching around 100 °F during the summer and near freezing in the winter, we know about extreme temperatures. Your HVAC unit needs to be up to the task all year round to keep your home and family comfortable in this climate.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you keep your HVAC system running through the cold winter months.
Although you can do a few things to help maintain your HVAC system, it’s always best to keep any technical or electrical procedures to the professionals. Trying DIY projects on your heating system can void the warranty or prevent the HVAC system from working properly.
1. Change the Air Filter
You can purchase one-, three- or six-month air filters at any hardware store. Verify the type you need from the manufacturer’s manual. Don’t forget to take into account your family’s health and your pets.
If any family member has respiratory issues or you have long-haired pets, you may need to upgrade your filter to a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. If not, you may need to change your filter more often.
2. Maintain Proper Air Flow
Your HVAC system needs proper airflow to work properly. That means keeping things away from the ducts. Also, for placement, keep the furnace inside and the air conditioning unit outside your house.
Inside the home, make sure boxes and other obstacles are not within three feet of air vents or registers. Inspect the area around the furnace and make sure it has six feet of space to breathe.
The air conditioner should also have six feet of clearance, so remove plant life, outdoor furniture, and other obstacles that are too close.
3. Keep the Air Clean
This doesn’t mean you need an air purifier, although that wouldn’t hurt. But try to keep areas where the air enters your HVAC system as clean as possible. Clear off the dust, dirt, and sand from your air conditioner and furnace. Vacuum your vents and registers to remove dust, pet dander and other particulates.
4. Don’t Use Your Heating System
It may sound a little extreme, but if you are at work and the children are at school, there’s really no reason to run the heating system. Set the timers on the thermostat to match your family’s lifestyle. Not only will it save your HVAC system the extra work, but it’ll also save you some money on heating costs.
5. Consider a New HVAC System
This is a little beyond HVAC maintenance, but it does help with future fall HVAC maintenance costs. A new system only requires a single HVAC tune-up every year, and in most cases, will have no issues. Besides saving you at least 30% on your heating costs, it also ensures you have minimal maintenance costs over the next decade.
If you’re not sure if a new HVAC system is within your budget, talk to your technician about HVAC replacement costs. With the right financing, you may find that replacing your older unit is the best choice.
6. Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Tune-up
A professional HVAC technician will tune up your HVAC system and notify you of any potential problems before winter hits. Typically, a tune-up can save you up to 30% in heating costs on average. Ask the technician what their fall maintenance checklist includes and how performing the maintenance can reduce your chances of problems in the upcoming months.
Whether you need an oil heater tune-up or a gas heater tune-up, the inspection process is pretty much the same.
What Should Be Included in HVAC Maintenance
HVAC maintenance has two primary purposes: to catch current problems before they become more severe and to perform preventive measures that ensure more issues will not arise. A good HVAC company will have a standard checklist for HVAC maintenance that their employees follow, so no steps get skipped, and no potential problems are missed.
A typical checklist should include at least the following:
- Lubrication of moving parts, such as bearings and motors
- Inspection of electrical wiring, ducts, and piping
- Thermostat check and calibration
- Leak check
- Necessary adjustments or repairs
Ask your HVAC technician about what their fall HVAC maintenance checklist includes and how much their HVAC seasonal maintenance costs.
HVAC Seasonal Maintenance Near Me
JAK Services is considered one of the best HVAC maintenance companies in Keller and the Greater Northeast Tarrant County. We have earned an honest reputation of excellence by offering superior customer service, unequaled heating and air conditioning services, and fair pricing. Call JAK Services today for all of your HVAC heating and cooling maintenance needs.