With temperatures in Charleston this fall fluctuating between 80 to 35 degrees, you’ll need to be prepared to warm your home one day and kick on your air conditioning the next day. During fall, it’s a good idea to prep your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible to carry you through the winter with little to no issues.
Removing Obstructions
Our fall weather can be quite beautiful, but all the falling leaves can build up and get sucked up around your HVAC unit. Try to keep excess leaves, plants, branches, and other objects clear of your HVAC unit so it can work more efficiently. Ensuring there’s enough room for your HVAC fans to run and have proper airflow can allow your machine to run easier.
In addition to removing obstructions outdoors, it’s important to check for any indoor obstructions as well. Did you scoot your sofa over a few inches, accidentally covering your air register? Or, are your ducts clogged with pet hair? Did a piece of paper fall down into your kitchen register? You can try running a ‘vent blockage test’, by turning on your fan and checking all of your vents throughout your home. If any vent has a lower airflow, check your ducts for any obstructions.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Did you know that a smart thermostat can save you up to $180 per year? Setting your thermostat to a schedule, as well as setting it off or to a lower setting while you’re away from home, can help your system run more efficiently. Instead of toggling on and off all day, using your smart thermostat settings will help your system run only when you need it.
When you’re away from home, you can turn up or down your thermostat by about 8 degrees, either way, depending on the season. This small change in temperature can significantly help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Changing Your Filters
You’ve heard this one time and time again, change your air filter every 3 months! But do you know why it’s so important to do so? Clogged and dirty air filters can back up your airflow, causing your coils to freeze, or your compressor to overheat from working too hard. It’s more than just wanting to have cleaner, fresher air, changing your air filters on a consistent basis can help you avoid break downs and unnecessary repairs.
If you’re due for an HVAC check-up or have any questions about your system, contact our technicians today. You can contact us at (304) 212-2004.