Fall HVAC Preparation

Published 9/9/2019

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Fall?

HVAC systems have a number of functions to control the environment it’s in year-round. From heating to cooling, humidity level and controlling the way air is distributed, all of these are essential to maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. With fall quickly approaching, Mr. Duct’s team of professionals urge you to prepare your HVAC system accordingly.

Mr. Duct’s HVAC Checklist for Cooler Weather

Thermostat
HVAC systems need time to adjust to heating again, it’s been awhile! Set your heat system to a low setting so your system can get warmed up and be used to heat again. Try it out a few times before the super cold months hit to ensure it heats properly. When was the last time you adjusted your thermostats schedule? The seasons are changing which means the temperature and daylight is changing too. Take a few minutes out to reprogram your thermostat for the upcoming fall weather.

Vents and Registers
Clean and clear return and supply vents/registers to keep your household healthy and dust-free. Your HVAC system is what controls the breathing for your home, it works very similarly to lungs. It is never a good idea to block or close off airflow to any part of your home. Your HVAC system is designed to balance the air throughout your entire home. Any blocked vents and registers alter how your HVAC system works and can potentially create problems. Over time, your vents also collect dust and debris from circulating air, take a few minutes to walk around to check your vents and registers. Make sure they are not blocked and do not have dust build up. Clean vents and registers allow for your home’s air circulation to be safe and uncontaminated.

Inspect
Keep your house warmer and energy costs lower by making sure the warm air stays in and the cold air stays out. Check your door and window seals including climate stripping to make sure they are sealed tight. Also, check your attic insulation, make sure it’s not time to add more. If you suspect you have leaks, to find where they are coming from and how they are affecting your insulation, schedule an energy audit with a professional to pinpoint these problem areas sooner than later.

Humidifier
The cool air does not hold humidity as well as the warm air, you’ll notice static electricity shocks from wearing socks when walking across your carpet. When turning on your HVAC system to heat your home the humidistat detects if there are low humidity levels and if so then water is applied to the humidifier pad. A portion of your home’s air is then pumped through the humidity pad generating more moisture throughout your home. Since your air is circulating through this pad it is ideal to change the pad regularly just as you would change your water filter. This allows for clear air and water to flow through the pad and throughout your home.

Ceiling Fans
Feel warmer in the cooler months by reversing the direction of your ceiling fans. There is a switch on the ceiling fan base that you click the other way which will help move the warm air from the ceiling down creating more comfortable living spaces by creating a balance in temperature throughout rooms. Note, it’s always best practice to turn off ceiling fans in rooms when people are not in them to help save on energy costs.

Clear the Area
Mr. Duct’s team of professionals recommends having at least 3 feet surrounding clearance around the HVAC system. This clearance is highly suggested to ensure your HVAC system is working properly. By having the HVAC system free from debris and obstruction it helps generate the proper air flow. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure your HVAC system is level and free from animal shelters including burrows underneath the system.

Filter
Change your filter (should be done every 1-2 months), check belts and clean any parts that need it. HVAC system filters are what circulates the air in your home. For clean air it is best practice to replace your filters every few months. These filters build up with dust and other particles that circulate through your home. There are a number of different types of filters your HVAC system can have: fiberglass (the most common), pleated and electrostatic. Regardless of the filter type they all need to be replaced periodically.

Appointment
Routine maintenance performance checks by Mr. Duct’s licensed HVAC professional contractors are highly recommended. These HVAC system appointments ensure your system is performing at its best because when it performs as it’s supposed to, it not only increases the overall efficiency of the system but it also extends the life of your HVAC system.

Count on Mr. Duct for all your heating, air conditioning, air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning needs. Our team of trained and experienced professionals service all HVAC system make and models. Mr. Duct is Chicagoland's air quality cleaner choice, specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial ventilation cleanings and furnace & air conditioner cleaning, repair and installations.

Call or click today to speak with a Mr. Duct representative to ensure your HVAC system is ready for winter!