It’s easy to procrastinate and it happens to everyone. For example: How much are you enjoying this great fall weather? It’s one of my favorite times of year. The problem is it’s so nice we often forget what’s coming next. Inevitably fall will give way to another icy winter here in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Is your heating system ready for the big change? The best way to make sure is with good HVAC maintenance year round.
All the time
Practice good landscaping by keeping the area around outside units clean and free of debris and tall grass. HVAC equipment requires good airflow so trim back plants, trees, and shrubs so they are at least three feet away from the equipment. Remove leaves and pine needles and other seasonal debris.
Inspect your HVAC system regularly (at least once a month) and look for issues that could require professional attention. Look for dirty evaporator or condenser coils, water leaks, damaged fins, or frozen coils. Pay special attention to how the system sounds and call an expert if you hear new or strange sounds.
Fall & winter
Fall is the time to call in a professional for a heating system tune-up. HVAC maintenance includes checking all electrical connections, testing for proper voltage, inspecting exhaust outlets, fuel lines, burners, heat exchangers and other components. The technician will also lubricate moving parts.
This is also the time to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. If the detectors are more than five years old, they should be replaced.
Spring & summer
As the heating season comes to an end it’s time to call in the professionals again to inspect the air conditioner. This seasonal HVAC maintenance will repeat many of the same checks that were performed in the fall but will also include checking the refrigerant level and looking for any leaks.
Quarterly
Air filters in your HVAC system should be changed AT LEAST every 90 days. The less efficient fiberglass filters (not recommended by Merts) should be changed every 30 days. Filter changes are required to assure proper airflow. Keep in mind during cold snaps or heat waves the equipment is running longer and it’s a good idea to change filters more often.
Nothing lasts forever
Practicing regular HVAC maintenance will slow down the aging process but nothing is going to stop it. At some point you will have to decide if it’s better to repair your old heating & cooling systems one more time or replace them with new, more efficient equipment. Merts Heating & Air Conditioning is always here to help you determine which option is best for your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. For more great information like this be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.