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Though we have daily weather reports and weekly forecasts from local and national weather services, no one can deny that Kansas City weather is unpredictable. One summer moment it’s sunny and 80°, the next it’s a torrential downpour with hail. Likewise, we could have a warming trend in the winter with temperatures soaring above 50° with a sudden ice storm that evening. Kansas City weather is extreme and our HVAC systems have to adapt quickly.
Our HVAC systems could be dormant with enjoyable outdoor temperatures that don’t require the heat or air conditioner to run, yet the next moment the heat might kick on from a quick cold front moving in. Whether you prefer a cooler or warmer indoor temperature, the air conditioner or heat is always kicking on or off with our extreme weather.
Now is the time to prep your HVAC system for the upcoming winter cold snaps, and it’s a great time to learn how to prep it for next spring and summer’s heat waves. Keep reading to learn about seasonal HVAC preparation to be ready for extreme weather.
Cold Seasons
Fall is just a month away, though that doesn’t mean much weatherwise to KC locals. Early fall still has sweltering temperatures and it isn’t until mid-late October that we start to notice more brisk, cool air. That means there’s still time to prep your HVAC system before the cold weather moves in, so you’ll want to get your service appointment scheduled. Below are some things you can do to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming cold weather seasons:
Schedule a Fall Tune-up
Now is the perfect time to schedule a fall tune-up with an HVAC company. A fall tune-up involves an HVAC technician evaluating your HVAC system to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely, specifically the heat. A technician should test the following: inspect the coils and heat exchangers, calibrate the thermostat, check for loose connections, examine the exhaust systems, and much more.
Fall tune-ups involve much more maintenance checks than listed above. Ideally, the HVAC company in Kansas City that you hire for a fall tune-up would perform HVAC maintenance on the whole system, ensuring the heat turns on and provides warmth safely and efficiently until your spring tune-up.
Test the Heat
If you test the heat before an HVAC maintenance appointment, you can try turning it on to ensure it’s working optimally. Now and then we’ll get chilly evenings or brisk mornings where we turn the heat on before late fall in Kansas City, and you’ll want to make sure yours turns on as it should. There will probably be a strange smell when the heat kicks on; that’s more than likely dust that will be burned off as the heat runs.
Replace Air Filters
How often to change air filters depends on a few factors: the type of filter inside the unit, the size of your home, how much you use your HVAC unit, if a loved one suffers from allergies or has a chronic illness, and if you have pets. Generally, it’s a great idea to change your air filter quarterly. Filters trap dust and allergens; if you have a dirty one, you’ll inhale them every time your HVAC system turns on – yuck!
Warm Seasons
Though spring and summer are more than six months down the road, they’ll be here before you know it. It’s never too early to get a spring tune-up to ensure your air conditioner works well and your HVAC system is in good shape. You don’t want to be without cool air in the brutally hot summer months in Kansas City! Below are some things you can do to prepare your HVAC system for the warm seasons:
Remove Debris Around the Unit
Springtime is when we all venture outdoors to enjoy the warm weather after a long winter. Your outdoor unit is exposed to a lot, especially during the fall and winter. Debris like leaves, pine needles, twigs, and pests can block and slow down the unit. Remove debris around the unit so it’s free and clear to run without debris surrounding it.
Replace Air Filter
As previously mentioned, change your filters every few months to ensure your unit blows clean air throughout your home. Springtime is already tough with fresh blooms and pollens wreaking havoc on our allergy symptoms – the last thing you want is to have these pollens circulating throughout your home.
Schedule a Spring Tune-up
Spring is a great time to schedule your next HVAC maintenance appointment. An HVAC technician will ensure all components are working optimally. If they notice any hidden issues they can catch them before they cause damage. They should check and tighten loose connections, measure the refrigerant in your unit, and clean it among other maintenance checks.
Trust Cates Heating and Cooling with Your Seasonal HVAC Preparation
At Cates Heating and Cooling, we service many residential and commercial HVAC units to prepare them for seasonal changes. We offer our Comfort Club Maintenance Program, an annual maintenance program that includes two trips to ensure your unit is working optimally and safely. It also includes 10% off parts and labor anytime you need HVAC repairs!
We also understand how important it is to be energy-efficient and sustainable, especially if you own or rent a commercial property. We offer many energy-efficient and sustainable HVAC technologies for commercial properties around Kansas City like hospitals, restaurants, theaters, factories, and more:
- Boilers
- Heat Pumps
- Electric/Geothermal Heating
- Smart HVAC Systems
- Zoned HVAC Systems
We’re family-owned and operated with expertly trained technicians who have provided exceptional service to all our customers for over 50 years. We service Kansas City and surrounding cities, including the following:
& more!
Our office services include heating, cooling, air quality, and energy-efficient solutions. Contact Cates with any questions or concerns about your HVAC system and how we can help!
