As autumn approaches in Tacoma, Washington, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. That means you'll want to make sure your HVAC system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable for several months. In this guide, we'll walk you through a comprehensive fall HVAC maintenance checklist to keep your heating system running smoothly.
Why Fall HVAC Maintenance Matters
Whether you rely on a heat pump, furnace, or other heating system, maintenance is important. With seasonal tune-ups, you'll benefit from:
- Improved Reliability: Regular maintenance helps keep your heating system in good working order.
- Better Energy Efficiency: Maintenance improves the way your heating system functions, ensuring optimal efficiency.
- Longer Lifespan: It's no secret that regular maintenance extends the lifespan of HVAC systems. This is because heating and cooling units don't have to work as hard when they're cared for properly.
- Consistent Comfort: You'll notice there is more consistent heating throughout your home when you take care of your heating system. This is because a properly serviced system functions more efficiently.
- Savings: With proper maintenance, your heating system will use less energy and therefore save you money on utility bills. It will also reduce the cost and frequency of repairs.
- Safety: Maintenance checks involve examining all the components and parts of your system. This helps ensure that there are zero safety issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks or fire hazards.
Your Maintenance Checklist
Below, you'll find an HVAC preventative maintenance checklist that will help protect your home and keep it comfortable throughout fall and winter.
- Clean or Replace Air Filters: Protect indoor air quality, system efficiency, and home safety by changing dirty air filters. In most cases, you should change the filter every 1-3 months. Sometimes, you can wait 6-9 months before changing it, depending on the filter and your environment.
- Inspect Vents & Registers: Vacuum all vent covers and registers to remove dust and debris. You should also make sure there is nothing blocking the vents to maintain proper airflow.
- Clean Outdoor Units: For heat pump owners, you should inspect your outdoor unit throughout the year to make sure it isn't covered by leaves or other debris. Cut back nearby vegetation such as bushes and weeds to make sure there is always good airflow.
- Test Your Thermostat: Turn on your heating system and take note of how fast it responds. If it doesn't turn on quickly, consider replacing your thermostat batteries. If that doesn't solve the issue, you should schedule a maintenance service.
- Seal Air Leaks: A drafty home isn't only uncomfortable, it can cause your heating system to work harder than it needs to. Locate any air leaks by checking doors, windows, and other openings for drafts. Then seal them with caulk, foam, weatherstripping, or plastic sheeting.
- Listen for Strange Sounds: If your HVAC unit starts making strange sounds, this could point to an issue that requires professional repair. Keep your ears open for odd noises and if you hear something, call a heating technician.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: At Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals can identify minor issues before they become expensive repairs. We will also provide comprehensive maintenance on your unit so you can relax knowing the entire system has been serviced.
- Look Into System Replacement: If your unit needs frequent repairs and the bills are adding up, it might be time to upgrade your system. Our team can provide a free estimate to help you make an informed decision.
Trust Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning for Fall HVAC Maintenance
Since 1992, Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving top-notch HVAC services to Tacoma residents. As your local, one-stop shop for plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling, we're here to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Why Choose Us?
- Comprehensive Services: We're your go-to for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC solutions. From furnace maintenance to programmable thermostat installation, you can depend on us!
- Free Estimates: We provide no-obligation estimates to help you make informed decisions about your home comfort.
- Great Reputation: Our positive reviews and long-standing presence in the community speak to our commitment to quality service.
- Experienced Professionals: With over three decades in the industry, our company has the skill to handle any HVAC challenge.
Contact Mercurio's Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule your fall maintenance appointment. Our experienced team will thoroughly inspect your system, perform necessary maintenance, and address any concerns you may have.
