We’re about a month into fall, and we may finally be approaching the time when you can switch on the heater, and out of that glorious new thermostat setting made just for North Texas (for those of you with newer systems), “Heat/Cool,” where your system will cool when it gets above a certain temperature, and heat when it gets below a certain temperature. Because dang if we know whether it’s going to be 80 degrees or 30 degrees this time of year.
Now that your air conditioner will likely be dormant for the next few months (emphasis on likely), and your furnace has been dormant for several months, it’s a great time for some seasonal maintenance on your HVAC. “Fall-ize” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like “Winterize,” but you get where I’m coming from.
Get Your HVAC Serviced
This time of year is a great time to have the entire system serviced — which you should do at least once a year. Make sure when you call to ask them to look at both your AC and your furnace. They will let you know if you need to have your ducts cleaned, or if there are any repair or safety issues that need to be addressed.
When you do, hopefully they don’t find anything as bizarre as spray foam insulation covering the entire AC unit as in the video below, and they actually can service your AC system.🤦🏻♀️
Turn Your Ceiling Fan to Winter Mode
You may think you don’t need a fan during the cool months, but turning your fan to “winter mode” will actually help disperse warm air and lower your heating cost.
In the winter, ceiling fans need to spin clockwise on low speed (any faster and you’ll start to feel a cool breeze). This creates an updraft that helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room.
(Also, I can’t stop watching this video. The noise his hair makes when the fan hits it is oddly satisfying and hilarious at the same time.)
Change The Filters on Your Furnace
Yes, you have to change the filters on the hot one, too. People remember their ACs, but often forget about the furnace — maybe because they live in houses like the one in this video, which has an access hole made for elves, that is also probably dark and filled with creatures both creepy and crawly.
Nevertheless, you should be changing that filter every three months.
Fall-ize Your AC Compressor
The AC experts differ on whether to cover the compressor during the winter months. Some say do, to keep it from freezing, others say it’s built to withstand cold temperatures, and covering it holds moisture in and makes mold grow inside the cover. Most in North Texas will tell you that cleaning the coils, clearing it of debris, and covering it during the Fall months isn’t a bad idea to keep it from collecting leaves, twigs and other debris, not to mention storm damage. The picture below shows hail damage to the coils from a bad storm. Our best advice is to have your HVAC serviced and ask your service expert whether to cover your compressor or not.
Check Your Batteries
Check the batteries on your thermostats, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors. You can use a battery tester to check the life of the batteries and check their sizes while you’re at it to make sure you have spares on hand. In a winter storm, even if the smoke or carbon monoxide doesn’t kill you, the beeping from the dead battery on those things might.
If you have HVAC or other seasonal concerns about your home, you can have a home inspector out to your house anytime for a seasonal home check up. We’ll check out all the systems of your home and get you informed on any repairs or maintenance you need to be ready for the upcoming season.
