HVAC Fall Maintenance Checklist: What's Included

The leaves are changing, the air is cool, and the holiday season is approaching. Fall is here. 

While it's easy to remember the fun things that autumn brings, it's important to remember the less exciting things as well, like HVAC maintenance. 

HVAC fall maintenance is essential to ensure your system is ready for the upcoming winter season. Fortunately, our technicians at Comfort Specialists Services are ready to deliver professional HVAC maintenance services.

Aside from hiring an HVAC contractor in Randolph, NJ, for a professional inspection, you can take various steps to ensure proper maintenance for your heating and cooling system this fall. Here's everything you should include in your HVAC fall maintenance checklist.

Replace the Air Filter

Dirty air filters can cause a wide range of issues for your HVAC system, from overheating to diminished indoor air quality. So, one of the most important things you can do during routine maintenance is to replace the air filters with new, clean ones. Fortunately, replacing your air filters is easy, fast, and inexpensive. 

Air filters remove dust and other allergens from your home's air. Over time, debris accumulates on them. When it becomes too much, it can negatively impact HVAC system efficiency by restricting airflow and reducing your home's indoor air quality.

Clogged air filters are one of the most common causes of malfunctioning HVAC systems. Replacing your air filter in the fall prepares your system for the upcoming colder months. 

Clean the Coils, Drain Lines, and Pans

Over the year, your heater and air conditioner collect dirt and dust. While small amounts of debris and grime aren't an issue, a heavy amount can impact HVAC performance and efficiency. To prevent issues this winter, add coil, drain line, and pan cleaning to your HVAC fall maintenance checklist.

Dirty coils can lead to system corrosion, inefficiency, and even refrigerant leaks. Gently cleaning coils by wiping away dust and dirt is an easy way to prevent significant issues like these. 

After cleaning the coils, check the unit's drain lines and pans. If you see standing water, clear it as soon as possible because it could lead to mold growth and pest infestations. Also, check the drain lines for blockages, as they could lead to leaks and other system problems. 

Remove Debris from Outdoor Units

During autumn, leaves fall and cover your property in bright colors. While your children or pets may love jumping in leaf piles, falling leaves and twigs can wreak havoc on outdoor HVAC units. 

During fall maintenance, remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from the outdoor unit. To keep it clean and running efficiently, try keeping at least two feet of space around the unit. If you have small trees or bushes hovering over the unit, consider trimming them to prevent leaves and sticks from falling into them.

Check the Refrigerant Level

Refrigerant is integral to your HVAC system. It helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by controlling the heat in the air that passes through the unit. Unfortunately, insufficient refrigerant levels can do more than make your system less efficient. 

If you notice your HVAC unit has low refrigerant, check for leaks. Refrigerant is a highly toxic substance, so addressing a refrigerant leak as soon as possible is crucial. In addition, fixing refrigerant leaks requires professional attention, so don't hesitate to contact service technicians if you suspect your system is leaking refrigerant. 

Clean the Air Ducts

If you have a central heating and cooling system, you likely have air ducts in your house. Keeping them clean is essential for protecting your home's indoor air quality and HVAC system's efficiency. 

You can quickly clean ducts and registers by wiping them down with a soft cloth to remove dust. While you're at it, check for holes in the duct system that could cause potential leaks. 

Hire Professionals for a Routine Inspection

One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC system is ready for winter is by hiring professional technicians to perform a routine inspection. HVAC experts know what common problems to look for and what maintenance steps to apply to keep your system running longer. In addition, regular inspections can reveal potential issues early, preventing them from escalating into more severe problems.

At Comfort Specialists Services, our technicians are passionate about helping homeowners keep their homes comfortable all winter long. We provide heat pump maintenance, air conditioner repair, and more.

For more HVAC fall maintenance tips or to schedule a service, contact our team at Comfort Specialists Services today!