With fall officially here in the Valley of the Sun, you’re probably more than ready for a break from the heat. Is your HVAC system ready for the seasonal change? The following are some tips to ensure your home is prepared for when the temperature dips and you need heat.
Clean Your System (Exterior)
Summer storms often result in leaves and debris accumulating around exterior air conditioning units. With monsoon season now over, this is the perfect time to clear vegetation, dirt and dust that can impact your system’s functionally. Trim back bushes and landscaping that surround your unit. Remove dead leaves, branches and weeds.
Clean Your System (Interior)
Summer winds also can wreak havoc on the interior of your HVAC system, causing dust to quickly collect inside your unit, ductwork and filters. With the season over, replace or clean your indoor air filters. It’s a simple task that can dramatically improve your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your system.
Inspect Your System
While much of your system isn’t visible, you can still conduct a preliminary inspection to determine if there are any obvious issues. Grab a flashlight. Inspect the outdoor unit, as well as your furnace, vents and any visible areas of ductwork. Look for potential problems like leaks, loose seals or cracks.
Next, turn on your system. Check to make sure air is moving through every vent. If you haven’t used your heater in six months or more, you will likely smell a burnt odor for a few minutes. This is normal as dust that has built up on the furnace or heat pump will burn the first time you use the heat. If the burnt smell continues or if something doesn’t seem quite right, don’t delay in calling for service.
Call for a Professional Tune-Up
Not every issue can be discovered through a visual inspection. This is why it’s important to get regular tune-ups to ensure your system is working as it should be. A professionally-trained HVAC technician knows exactly what to look for, as well as what to do to extend the life and efficiency of your system. This includes lubricating moving parts and tightening electrical connections.
Kick Off Fall with a Tune-Up
Winter chill is just around the corner. Be prepared by scheduling a fall tune-up with Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. It’s the best way to ensure the efficiency of your system and prevent a small issue from turning into a costly repair. Call us today at 480-968-5652 to schedule a time that’s convenient for you.
