Summer feels like it takes so long to arrive, and then it’s over in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, those warm, carefree months are behind us and we’re back to spending our time indoors. While it’s sad to see it end, there are always exciting things to look forward to in the fall, too!
As the seasons change and the weather cools, it’s important that we prepare our homes for the cooler months ahead. You can save on your monthly energy bill as well as repair costs by making small changes and executing an HVAC efficiency plan. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a quick end of summer checklist for your home and HVAC system.
Use Those Ceiling Fans
The temperatures across Virginia are finally going to cool down, which means we won’t need to use our air conditioners as heavily. It’s easy to overlook this one, but it really is a good idea to adjust the thermostat (preferably using a programmable thermostat!) as the weather changes.
Instead, you can rely on your ceiling fans to stay cool or even create a cross breeze by opening a couple windows in your home. Not only will this lighten the load on your HVAC system, but you could also save money on energy costs.
Change Your Air Filter
While you should be changing your filter regularly, it’s a great idea to make this part of your end-of-summer checklist. If you’ve lived in Virginia any length of time, you’ll know that spring and summer comes with a lot of pollen and other allergens in the air. These particles travel into your home on your clothes and every time you open your doors and windows.
If you haven’t changed your filter all summer, chances are it’s pretty grimy — and all of that residue is being spread throughout your living space. Give your home a fresh start (and dramatically improve air quality) by changing the filters.
Clean Your Outdoor Unit
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times — take care of your outdoor unit! It’s so easy to forget about it, especially in the wintertime when we may not ever step foot inside our backyards. For that very reason, it’s essential that you give it the care it deserves before the weather turns cold.
The first thing you should do is perform a thorough visual inspection. Then, clear away any leaves, grass clippings or debris that may have collected around it over the summer. Trim away any trees or bushes that may obstruct air flow or impede performance. Of course, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional to perform a thorough cleaning of the coils and condenser.
Check Electrical Connections
While you’ve got on your inspector’s hat, go ahead and check your HVAC system’s electrical connections. Is the thermostat responding the way it should or does it seem to have a short circuit? Are there any signs of frayed or damaged wires, rust or even animal bite marks around any of the indoor and outdoor components.
Identifying electrical problems is important for several reasons. Of course, allowing these issues to worsen can result in costly repairs or even the need to fully replace your unit. More importantly, faulty wiring could be a fire hazard, jeopardizing the safety of your family and home. Have any potential concerns assessed immediately. Trying to save a few dollars by putting off an inspection is not worth the risk!
Schedule a Furnace Checkup
Before the cool weather rolls in, you want to be sure that your furnace is in top working condition. There’s nothing worse than discovering a problem during that first cold snap of the season. It’s best to be proactive and get your heating system inspected and tuned up before you really need it.
Identifying problems sooner than later can save you on emergency repair costs and the discomfort of being cold until help arrives. Life can get pretty busy leading up to the holidays, so having this one thing off your to-do list can save you a lot of stress.
Call Today to Schedule Your End of Summer Maintenance
As a homeowner, there are many things you can handle on your own. To protect your investment, however, it’s also important to know when to call in the professionals. If you suspect a structural or electrical problem with your HVAC unit, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Not only could you do more damage, but you could also get hurt!
At W.G. Speeks we’ve been proudly serving the Greater Richmond Region for more than 75 years. Our NATE-certified technicians know how to prepare your home for fall in Virginia. Let us do the heavy lifting. Give us a call and schedule your free consultation today!
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