Although fall temperatures are moderate in Porter, TX, there are times when you may need to use your HVAC system. Average temperatures can be as high as 89.1°F in September and as low as 52.5°F in November.
If you want to stay at a comfortable temperature during the fall season, you should be sure to maintain your HVAC system and do a bit of preparation. Checking that your system is working correctly and making repairs and updates as needed can be well worth it.
Be sure to prepare your Porter, TX, HVAC system for the fall with these maintenance tips.
Get Professional Servicing
One of the best things that you can do to get your HVAC system ready for fall is to schedule a visit by a professional HVAC company.
A local technician can provide preventive HVAC maintenance and examine your system to get a full handle on any issues that are present. They can also make an annual furnace inspection.
HVAC professionals will be able to identify problems and run tests to verify that the system is well-prepared for the fall and winter months. They’ll likely be able to spot issues that you’ll have a hard time noticing on your own.
As a result of getting your HVAC system serviced, it will be more likely to make it through the fall season and you could avoid some costly repairs later on.
Install New Air Filters
Another essential step to take when preparing for fall in Porter, TX, is to replace air filters in your home’s HVAC system. It’s recommended that homeowners check air filters every 2 to 3 months and replace them as necessary.
An air filter that hasn’t been replaced in a while may become clogged, and this could cause your system to function inefficiently. This inefficiency can cause your utility bills to go up and can worsen the air quality in your home as well.
By replacing the air filters in your HVAC system, you’ll be better prepared for the fall. You’ll ensure that your HVAC system is working at its best.
Seal Leaks
Another problem that can lead to high utility bills and HVAC inefficiency is air leaks in your ductwork.
You’ll want to put in the effort to seal any leaks that are present to ensure that your system is working as efficiently as possible. You can do this with the help of aluminum tape or mastic tape.
You should also be sure to decrease drafts in your home by keeping windows and doors sealed as well. With the help of caulk and weatherstripping, you can seal problematic areas. This will decrease the amount of energy you need to use to heat and cool your home.
Examine the Outdoor Unit
When preparing your HVAC system for fall, you should make sure to take a closer look at the outdoor unit. Check for any damage to the unit and be sure that there isn’t any debris surrounding it.
Be sure that there isn’t any debris, such as leaves and dirt around the unit since this can help ensure that the air will flow properly. Removing the debris will also help to prevent dirt, leaves, and other items from reaching the coils or finding their way inside the outdoor unit.
If you notice that there are signs of damage to outdoor HVAC components, you should be sure to get it checked out more thoroughly by professionals.
Check Alarms
To prepare for fall, also make sure to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are in your home. Add fresh batteries to these essential devices and replace them as needed as well.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration recommendation, you should change smoke detectors every 10 years. Once you have new batteries in your smoke detectors and you have set them up properly, make sure to press the ‘test’ button to verify that they’re working correctly.
Keeping your alarms and detectors set up correctly could help save your life as well as prevent significant damage to your home.
Add System Upgrades
Although checking for all of the above issues and doing the maintenance listed here can be helpful, you might want to consider making some more significant upgrades. These can help if you want to be prepared for the fall as well as for the winter seasons.
Replacing old components in your HVAC system or completely redoing your HVAC system and installing a new one could be well worth the investment. You might also want to consider making a ductwork, insulation, or furnace repair or installing a modern, programmable thermostat.
With the right system improvements and upgrades, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your home at just the right temperature during the fall in Porter, TX.
Consider Buying an HVAC Cover
You might also want to consider buying a cover for your outdoor HVAC system. A cover can provide extra protection from the elements and can help to stop debris and moisture from entering your AC unit.
The more protection that your AC unit has, the better off it will be and the less likely it will be that debris can cause damage to it. However, make sure that you don’t cover the unit up completely. You should ensure that you’re allowing moisture to escape from your HVAC system as needed.
The cover should have enough of an opening that it doesn’t trap moisture. Trapping the moisture can lead to additional problems in the unit and could lead to rusting and corrosion.
Preparing Your HVAC System for Fall
To keep your HVAC system working well during the fall, make sure that you take some steps to prepare it. Replace air filters, seal air leaks, and consider getting professional servicing to ensure that your HVAC system is in great shape.
Locally owned and operated since 1974, Guy’s Air Conditioning and Heating has provided quality residential and commercial HVAC services to Houston and the surrounding areas for decades.
Ready to get help with your HVAC system in Porter, TX? Contact Guy’s AC & Heating today to learn more about what we can do for you.
