Fall in Canton, OH, can be welcome as the heat of the summer finally fades away. This is the perfect time to get your HVAC system ready for the winter ahead. But many people do not do anything to their HVAC system to prepare for the cold weather. Homeowners often make the HVAC mistakes listed below.
The consequences of these errors could include a system that runs less efficiently, doesn’t last as long, or breaks down altogether.
1. Failing To Schedule Routine Maintenance
It’s a good idea to schedule routine maintenance in the fall. This helps you ensure that your HVAC system is in good working order ahead of the winter months. It might seem as though skipping maintenance would be a money-saving strategy, but this is usually not the case.
One reason to schedule routine maintenance is that it’s necessary to maintain your warranty. But, even if you’re outside the warranty period for your HVAC system, there are a lot of other advantages.
Maintenance includes lubricating parts that move and experience friction. It also includes inspecting and cleaning your HVAC system and making sure your outdoor unit isn’t blocked by plant growth and debris. Regular maintenance will help keep your system in shape, and this means it won’t cost as much to heat your house this winter. It also lets you replace worn parts and fix small issues before they get worse. You’ll be able to head into winter with peace of mind, knowing that your HVAC system is working as it should. Our Maintenance Plan saves you money with discounts and makes scheduling easy.
2. Not Taking Care of Ducts
Like the rest of your HVAC system, your ducts can degrade over time. If they have leaks, inadequate insulation, or blockages, this can affect your system’s efficiency. You don’t have to clean your ducts at the start of the season. Still, it’s a good idea to have a technician check for leaks or damage, like from tiny holes in your ducts. They can seal any leaks that they find and also make certain that all connections are secure. In addition, consider having your ductwork insulated if this isn’t already the case. This can make a significant difference in your HVAC efficiency.
3. Having the Wrong Filter
Your HVAC filters are important for a couple of reasons. First, they improve the air quality in your home. Different filters can trap different contaminants. Generally, they should reduce pet hair, dust, dirt, lint, and pollen in the air.
They keep contaminants out of the air in your home and protect the HVAC system, too. A system that’s clogged with dirt, dust, hair, and other particles will run less efficiently. It will have to work harder to heat your home, and this can take a toll on your system over time. Besides, less efficient operation also means that your power bill will be higher.
There are two common HVAC filter problems as you head into fall.
Too Old
If you have an old filter, then it’s the wrong filter. You can check your filter to see its condition, but you should change it every one to three months. In general, you do not need to replace higher-quality filters as often. The condition of your indoor air also influences the frequency with which you need to change your filter. If you have pets or someone in your household smokes, more frequent changes are necessary. Mini-splits usually have reusable filters, but you still need to clean them on a regular basis. The beginning of a new season is a good time to check and change or clean your filter.
Too Restrictive
MERV rating stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It shows how well an air filter captures particles of different sizes. The scale goes up to 20. Based on this, you might assume that a higher number is better, but this is not the case in residential settings. Filters with higher numbers will restrict airflow in a home setting. It’s generally recommended that your home filter should be no higher than 12 or 13.
4. Not Addressing Drafts
Your HVAC system will run a lot better if you try to identify and block drafts throughout your home. If this is your first winter in your home, then you might not have noticed any drafts over the summer. This might change once the cold weather arrives. You may want to use caulking or weather strips to seal drafts that you notice around windows or doors. Other options include window film, storm windows, or even heavy curtains.
You may also find drafts coming from the basement or the crawl space under your house, as well as leaks in your attic. Sealing leaks will keep your house comfortable in the fall and winter.
5. Ignoring Problems
Nobody likes to hear they need a new HVAC system. But it’s better to know now, while the weather is mild, than to wait for a snowstorm. You might notice that your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working as well as it once did, but hope that it will hold out until the spring. It’s better to have any problems checked out when you notice them, when they still may be simple to fix.
If you’re noticing hot and cold spots around your home, that’s usually a sign that something is off with your system. Uneven airflow, leaky ducts, or a blower that’s working too hard can all cause it. Strange noises or smells are another big red flag. A musty odor might mean mold in the system, while grinding or banging could point to loose parts. Don’t ignore these issues. They won’t fix themselves. That’s where we come in to track down the problem and get your comfort back on track.
If you notice your HVAC system turning on and off often, this indicates short cycling and signals a problem. Pay attention to the thermostat as well. If it’s displaying a temperature that seems inaccurate or if the reading fluctuates, you may want to have it looked at.
An unexpected spike in your power bill might catch you off guard. This can happen even if you haven’t used more power and your rates stayed the same. This can be the first indicator that your HVAC system is struggling to maintain temperatures and is having to work harder to do so.
If your HVAC system is old or it’s starting to need frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. Fall is a good time to do this before you need to depend on it for the cold winter ahead.
Get Ready for Winter With GMC Heating & Cooling Inc.
At GMC Heating & Cooling Inc., we’re eager to help you get your HVAC system ready for the season ahead. We offer heating services including maintenance, repair, and installation. We have decades of experience in the Canton area, and we’ve won The Canton Repository’s Best of the Best award several times.
Contact GMC Heating & Cooling Inc. today to schedule all your HVAC needs.
