As the summer heat starts to wind down in Belgrade, MT, you should ensure that your HVAC system is ready for cooler weather. This will allow you to efficiently heat your home through the winter and protect your equipment from unnecessary wear. This can reduce the need for repairs and lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system. Following some simple end-of-summer HVAC tips is essential.
Changing Your Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s filter should be changed once every 30 to 90 days. If you haven’t changed your filter since the start of summer, swap it for a new one before fall arrives. You should also check your filter monthly for signs of clogs or damage.
Since the weather can get quite cold in the winter months in Montana, you may want to upgrade your filter. An upgraded filter can help trap particulate matter so you reap the benefits of healthy indoor air quality. A high-quality filter also protects your HVAC components. Just make sure you’re not selecting a filter that will be too restrictive for the type of HVAC equipment that you have. A general rule of thumb is to choose a MERV rating that is between 8 and 12.
Scheduling Routine Inspections and Maintenance
You should have someone from our team come to your home at least once per year to inspect and perform maintenance on your HVAC system. The end of summer is a great time to have this work done. We can spot issues that are the result of heavy system use after a long winter. We’ll also check your furnace components to ensure they can keep up throughout the long winter.
Routine maintenance includes things like cleaning belts, motors, and blades. We will test safety controls and inspect electrical connections. Before you cease using your AC for the season, allow us to inspect your refrigerant level and check for leaks.
We will also make sure that your evaporator and condenser coils are clean. This allows for proper heat transfer and drainage.
Thermostat Inspection and Calibration
A thermostat is designed to last approximately 10 years. If yours is still within that time frame, it may require periodic calibration to ensure consistent temperatures throughout your home. We can help you program a schedule that will work for cool fall days. If you don’t already have one, consider having our team install a smart thermostat in your home. This device can help you achieve comfort while helping you save money on your monthly utility bills. Features like geofencing and schedule learning can minimize unnecessary runtime and keep your energy consumption low.
Ensuring Proper Airflow
At the end of summer, there are steps you can take to ensure optimal airflow through your system. Clear away any vegetation or debris that has grown around your outdoor unit. Make sure that your vents and registers are open and clear of any obstructions.
Have Your Ductwork Inspected
If you have leaks in your ductwork, this can lead to energy waste of up to 30%. This can increase your energy bills substantially and lead to equipment strains. We can inspect your ducting and seal up any leaks that are present. Small leaks can be addressed with products like metal foil tape or mastic tape with a UL rating. Larger areas with damage may require replacement of ducting.
Also, ductwork should be cleaned once every three to five years. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, consider more frequent cleanings. Having this performed at the end of summer ensures efficient heating throughout the fall and winter, as well as promoting healthy indoor air quality.
Address Your Ceiling Fans
You should have been running your ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction for the summer. It’s now time to reverse their direction to help redistribute heat during the cooler months.
Address Relative Humidity
The relative humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%. If you have a whole-home dehumidifier, you may need to adjust its settings at the end of summer. As the temperature outside cools and you’re not using your air conditioner as much, humidity may start to rise in your home.
PJ's Plumbing & Heating can help with routine HVAC maintenance and repairs at the end of summer. Our HVAC team is extremely knowledgeable. We can also help you upgrade your HVAC equipment with a ductless model if you’re looking to achieve optimal system efficiency and your current setup is quite old. Contact PJ's Plumbing & Heating to schedule an appointment in Belgrade today.
