Our Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Winter is right around the corner, meaning that it’s time to perform fall HVAC maintenance. Tuning up your HVAC in the fall ensures it can provide maximum performance during the winter when you need it most.

The Eastern Shores Heating and Air Conditioning experts have put together this handy fall HVAC maintenance checklist. 

Contact us today for New Jersey’s top-rated heating and cooling services!

Change Filters

HVAC systems have a filter that captures dust and other particulate matter. Dirty filters get clogged and can negatively affect HVAC performance during the winter. They often cause higher energy bills and increase the risk of breakdowns. 

Consider changing HVAC filters for high-efficiency particular (HEPA) filters. These filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter. HEPA filters are especially useful if you or a family member suffers from dust and pollen allergies. 

Clean Outdoor Units

If you have an outdoor unit, clear it of any outdoor debris, like branches, leaves, and plant material. Plants shed foliage during the fall, so you’ll need to stay vigilant to keep it free from fallen leaves. You should also cut surrounding grass or bushes to leave at least two feet between the unit and any vegetation. 

Clean Coils

The condenser and evaporator coils play a crucial role during the heat transfer process. Coils can more effectively facilitate heat exchange when their surface area is clean. Dirt and grime coating your coils can negatively affect performance and overwork your system. 

You can clean coils with a soft-bristle brush and a small amount of dish soap. Make sure you don’t scrub too hard, or you may scratch and damage the coils. Rinse them with warm water afterward. 

Check Insulation

Most people see a spike in energy bills during the winter due to higher heat usage. You can reduce heating and cooling costs by updating and replacing insulation in your walls and ceiling. New insulation materials are more thermally efficient than older materials and better prevent heat loss. 

Check Refrigerant Levels

It’s essential to check for coolant fluid leaks as part of fall HVAC maintenance. Most HVAC systems won’t ever require coolant changes. If coolant levels are low, it most likely means your system has a leak. 

HVACs without sufficient coolant fluid won’t work properly, so you’ll need to address the leak quickly. You can call an HVAC professional to repair the leak and top off the fluid in your coolant system.

Change Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

You will rely on your furnace more in the winter months, so you’ll want to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. Furnaces with gas leakages can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is very dangerous to humans and pets. Carbon monoxide detectors can alert you of any danger. 

You don’t have to replace these batteries during the fall. Still, it’s good practice to take care of them when doing other fall HVAC maintenance tasks. 

Clean HVAC Vents

Your vents and ducts have probably picked up some dust and grime throughout the year. Cleaning your vents and ducts keeps your system working efficiently and prevents excess dirt build-up. Cleaning your ducts can also improve air quality in your home. 

Test Thermostat

Many temperature control problems result from a malfunctioning thermostat. You can test your thermostat by switching on the heat and listening for your furnace to kick in. If the furnace doesn’t respond, you may have a problem with the thermostat calibration, wiring, or batteries. 

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can run a test program to identify potential faults. Most programmable thermostats have a self-diagnose function you can find in the user manual.  

Check for Boiler Leaks

Boilers can spring leaks for several reasons, including corrosion, age, and excessive water pressure. Some condensation on a boiler is normal during operation. If you see a puddle of water underneath your boiler after each use, you probably have a leak. 

Call a Professional for HVAC Maintenance

Fall is also a great time to call a professional to perform maintenance and a tune-up. Professionals have extensive experience with heating and air conditioning systems and can better identify issues that homeowners might miss. Technicians can also test emissions, gas usage, and electrical connections. Check out our blog to learn more about our central AC service in NJ. If you would like a free estimate for fall HVAC maintenance, contact Easter Shores Heating and Air Conditioning. You can reach us online or call today at (732) 800-9416!