Fall Savings: Essential HVAC tips to prevent costly woes

Is it better to be proactive or reactive?

When it comes to your home, it all depends on how much you rely on your HVAC system. If you can handle an air conditioner break down during an unexpected fall heat wave or a furnace that doesn’t turn on when autumn temperatures suddenly drop, then by all means call your preferred service tech for an emergency visit it to fix them. However, if you’re someone who prefers the proactive approach to HVAC service, then here are some things you can do each fall to ensure your entire HVAC system is ready to face seasonal fluctuations in temperature.

“It’s always better to hope for the best and plan for the worst,” suggests Tracy Burgess, Service Manager at Carleton Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning.

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“Preventative maintenance can help ensure all your HVAC system elements are operating efficiently. Your HVAC unit has been working all summer, so it’s important to get it checked out to avoid costly repairs later.”

For starters, Burgess suggests taking a good look at your air conditioner. It’s been working at maximum capacity through July and August, so conducting a maintenance check is a good way to ensure it remains operational well into the fall. That means removing leaves, grass trimmings, and other debris from the outside of the unit, cleaning the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils, and cleaning and adjusting the blower components. A quick check of the refrigerant levels and thermostat settings will also help to ensure the system is operating properly.

“You may still be relying on your AC unit well into September,” said Burgess. “It’s better for the unit and for your cooling costs to ensure it’s running at maximum efficiency.”

Tuning up your furnace prior to the arrival of cooler fall and winter temperatures is another proactive measure that could save you money later on. Excess dust, pet dander and fur, and other airborne contaminants can settle in your ducts or clog your filter during summer months. By the time you turn on your furnace, it could already be facing serious compromise in terms of obstructed airflow and decreased efficiency.

“Scheduling a heating system tune-up is simply one of the most important fall HVAC maintenance services you can schedule to ensure better performance all winter long,” said Burgess. “There is no greater panic for a homeowner than having a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter. Taking action prior to the busy winter months is always a good idea.”

Burgess suggests that a fall heating season tune up be included as a regularly scheduled HVAC service each fall.

For more information or to book your service call, visit Carleton Refrigeration Heating and Air Conditioning at 150 Industrial Ave, Carleton Place, or online at www.carletonrefrigeration.com. Call them at 613-257-8282 or 1-866-557-8282. 

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