How Homeowners Can Prepare Their Heating Systems for the New Season
Autumn is a tough time for heating and air conditioning systems in Arizona. During the day, these units work overtime to keep the home cool. At night, however, they must quickly shift gears and keep the house warm. While HVAC systems can last up to 15 years, they need proper maintenance if they’re to function properly.
In this blog, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about preparing their heating systems for the upcoming season.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance
Even if a homeowner’s HVAC system seems to work fine, they should still schedule routine appointments with a qualified technician to keep their system working efficiently. Every year the AC should receive maintenance before the weather gets too hot in the spring, and the heater should get maintained in the fall to prepare for colder temperatures.
When professionals examine the heating or cooling system during a maintenance visit, they perform tasks including:
- Tighten electrical connections
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check the thermostat is functioning properly
- Look for damaged components
During a fall heating maintenance visit, they will also check all the heating elements to ensure the system is ready for cooler weather. It’s important to schedule heating maintenance before the season kicks in and HVAC technicians enter one of their busy seasons. That’s because homeowners can discover problems with their systems that they didn’t know about before turning on their heater for the first time in months.
Periodically Changing the Air Filter
EnergyStar reports that homeowners should change their air filters at least once every three months. This task (which takes less than five minutes) can make a huge difference in how the system functions. It improves the system’s efficiency and the home’s indoor air quality and allows for better airflow. Yet, some homes need their air filters changed even more frequently. For instance, a house with many people or pets living in it may need its air filters changed monthly.
Signs that it’s time to change air filters include:
- The home does not get to the desired temperature, feeling hotter or colder than it should.
- Residents deal with respiratory ailments, such as sneezing and coughing.
- Dust is accumulating around air vents.
- The AC unit itself feels hot.
If a homeowner has to ask themselves, “when was the last time I changed the air filter?” Chances are, it needs replacing.
Monitoring the Home’s Energy Usage
Energy bills shouldn’t be a surprise each month. Homeowners should have a basic understanding of how much their gas, electric, and other utility bills cost. If one notices an unexpected increase in energy bills, signs could point to a faulty HVAC system.
Homeowners can monitor their energy usage by:
- Installing a utility app: Some apps available on today’s market let users predict how much their energy bills will be. There are apps available for both Android and Apple phones.
- Getting an electricity usage monitor: These devices can be pretty cheap online. They let homeowners see how many kilowatts certain outlets use.
Homeowners can also monitor their energy use by keeping a copy of this month’s energy bill, then comparing it to next month’s charges. This helps them see whether their HVAC system is consuming more power than usual, alerting homeowners that there may be something wrong with their system.
About Grand Canyon Home Services
Grand Canyon Home Services has over 20 years of experience serving Sun City, AZ, and the surrounding areas. They offer upfront pricing, same-day service, and free second opinions. Call them today for heater repair and maintenance in Sun City, AZ.