Fall will be here before we know it, and with the upcoming cool weather, you will want to make sure that your HVAC unit is ready for the heat to kick on when you need it to. Most of the preparations that need to be done are very easy and only take a couple of minutes, but Cates Heating and Cooling wants you to know just what you should be doing to make sure that your HVAC system is ready for the upcoming fall season.

1. Change Out Your Air Filter

Air filters need to be changed out frequently, and one of the best ways to set your HVAC system up for fall is to get a new air filter put in. Dirty air filters not only reduce the air quality in your home, but they also create blockages in your system, which can prevent air from getting into your home. To make sure that you aren’t overspending on your energy bills this fall and winter, put a clean air filter in your system. Check the filter every month and change it out as necessary.

2. Check for Air Leaks

If you have leaks in your ductwork, windows, or doors, your HVAC system can’t work efficiently. Drafts in your home are a sign that there are leaks in your system. Make sure all of your windows and doors are properly sealed with caulk and weather-stripping. You can also fix leaky ductwork with mastic or aluminum tape. An HVAC technician can also help you make sure that your ductwork is properly sealed and not leaking any air.

3. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Outdoor units often collect debris from outside. Make sure there are no leaves or any other unwanted items lodged in the unit. You might need to do a little deep cleaning on the unit to make sure that there is nothing hidden inside the vents and fans.

While you are cleaning the unit, be sure to check for any damage. Since it sits outside, your unit is subjected to the elements, which could lead to some damage to the outdoor unit. If you notice any damage, contact a service technician to have the unit checked out. What seems like just cosmetic damage may actually affect how the system runs.

4. Make Sure Alarms and Detectors Are Working

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important items in your home. Make sure that they are functioning properly and have fresh batteries. If your smoke detector is more than ten years old, it is time to replace it with a new one. To find out how old your detectors are, you can check the manufacture date on the back. All alarms and detectors should be tested before the start of the fall season.

5. Schedule a Maintenance Check

The very best thing you can do to prepare your HVAC unit for fall is to have an HVAC technician come out for a maintenance check. If you live in the Kansas City Metro Area, a Cates technician is available to inspect your unit to make sure everything is operating as it should be. During a maintenance check, the technician can all make any necessary adjustments to the unit.

Maintenance Checks at Cates Heating and Cooling

A maintenance check through Cates Heating and Cooling generally takes about an hour. During this time, one of our expert technicians will go through a checklist of items that will ensure that your HVAC unit is running as efficiently and safely as possible. A few items on that checklist include:

• Measuring the voltage and amperage of the blower motor
• Calibrating and testing the thermostat
• Inspecting bearings for wear
• Lubricating any bearings in need
• Inspecting indoor coil
• Inspecting condenser coil
• Flushing and treating condensate drain with anti-algae
• Checking refrigerant pressure
• Checking the exhaust system
• Inspecting heat exchangers
• Adjusting gas pressure
• Testing the safety devices on the system
• Tightening any loose electrical connections
• Inspecting ductwork
• Inspecting the fan blade

If you have any concerns about your system, these scheduled maintenance checks are the perfect opportunity to brings these problems up. The HVAC technician can check to make sure that there are no issues.

Fall and winter seasons are the perfect times to consider replacing old air conditioning units. A new, more energy efficient unit can save you money in the long-term, and during the off-season, air conditioners usually cost a little less money. If you are thinking about having a new air conditioner installed, Cates Heating and Cooling is here to assist you with your selection of a new unit. Once a unit has been selected, our technicians can install the unit for you to make sure it is safe and running properly.

To schedule a preventative maintenance check-up with Cates Heating and Cooling, give us a call today at 913-888-4470.