As the summer begins to wind down, your thoughts are probably turning toward all things fall – leaves changing, school starting, and cooler temperatures. You may also be wondering what you are supposed to do with your air conditioner before it is turned off for the fall and winter seasons. Also, what should happen with your furnace before you turn it on to start heating your home? Pinnacle Group is happy to provide some end-of-summer maintenance tips to prepare your HVAC system and your home for the changing season and temperatures.
Prepare Your AC Unit for a Well-Deserved Break
When outside temperatures finally begin to cool down, you will be depending on your air conditioner less and less. To ensure it is ready for its “winter break”, there are a few things you can do to prepare it for the cooler temperatures. As your HVAC system works to warm and cool your home year-round, there are several things that should be taken care of around your home that will ensure everything continues to work for you as you switch your thermostat between cooling and heating.
Keep Up With Your Furnace Filter
If you are consistent with scheduling maintenance during the spring for your air conditioner, and in the fall for your heater, then your furnace filter probably gets changed at those times during the maintenance visits. Still, it is critical that the filter be changed at least every 2-3 months (or cleaned, if you have a reusable filter), or as needed depending on the type of filter you’re using and your household habits. A dirty filter will cause your system to work extra hard to pull the air into your system, causing it to be less efficient. A dirty filter can also cause an air conditioner or furnace to stop working. If you need any help locating your furnace filter, knowing what type of filter to purchase, or any other filter-related questions, we’re glad to be of assistance!
Clean Your Air Vents
It’s a good idea to check the air duct vents in your home for dust and debris. Make sure to thoroughly clean the vents throughout your home of any dust and cobwebs that may have built up over the season. This not only helps keep your system and indoor air supply clean from dust, but it also helps keep your home clean.
Clear Area Around the Outside Condenser
There are two parts to an air conditioner. The outside unit is called the Condenser and the 2nd part is the A-Coil which is located in the ductwork above your furnace. Because your condenser unit is outside it is also out of sight and out of mind. You may not notice if it has gathered debris, if there is an overgrowth of grass or weeds around it, or if there is some damage from storms, animals or lawn equipment. Here are some simple things you can do:
- Remove any sticks, leaves, plastic bags or other debris that might be trapped in the metal or wire case around the unit.
- Clear the area around the unit of tall grass, weeds, or other shrubbery (an AC needs space around it to operate properly).
- Check for signs of damage to the unit. This could be from animals or lawn equipment
- Listen to the unit as it operates. Take note of any unusual banging or clanking sounds.
If you do spot any damage or hear unusual sounds, be sure to call Pinnacle Group right away to come out and fix things up for you.
Should I put a Cover on my AC?
Air Conditioners can handle the cold weather without a cover. It is important to note that, if your air conditioner turns on while the cover is on, the AC could be permanently damaged. Also, there have been instances where an AC unit turned on while the cover was on and it actually caught fire. Consider this scenario; the weather cools down so you put the cover on your AC thinking the cooling season is over. Then, a couple weeks later, there is an unusually hot day so your Smart Thermostat automatically triggers your Air Conditioner to turn on. Alternatively, if you don’t have a Smart Thermostat, a member of your household or a guest might also change the thermostat to cool down the home. In these instances, the AC would be running while the cover is on and you may suddenly be in the market to buy a new air conditioner.
Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance
After getting your AC ready to hibernate, the next step is to schedule your appointment for annual maintenance on your furnace and make sure it’s ready to kick into gear. Having professional maintenance performed on your furnace every year is necessary to maintain equipment warranties and it can also help extend the life of your system. It is also crucial to ensure that there are no gas leaks or faulty components that could become a safety problem.
When you schedule annual furnace maintenance with Pinnacle Group, one of our expert technicians will check and clean the internal components and perform a range of critical tests to ensure you’re getting the performance and efficiency your furnace was designed to provide. Our technicians are very thorough; below is a list of just a few of the tests and tasks they complete as part of your furnace tuneup.
- Check for dirty air filters
- Clean the burner
- Tighten electrical connections
- Test all safety systems
- Check for carbon monoxide and gas leaks
- Check for water leaks
- And more!
Having your furnace maintained improves its efficiency, which will help to keep your heating costs low. Be sure to ask about our Pinnacle Group Maintenance Program (MMP), which will provide savings on repairs should you require any. We will also send you reminders when you are due to schedule your next appointment. There are lots of other great benefits for being an MMP member!
Call Pinnacle Group today to schedule your appointment for furnace maintenance and make sure you’re all set for a warm, comfortable fall and holiday season. Since 1954 we have been a highly trusted HVAC company serving Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Oakville, Caledon, and the Golden Horseshoe area. From air conditioning and heating to fireplaces, water heaters, IAQ solutions and more, we have a full range of services and an expert team ready to help you stay comfortable all year round.