Preparing Your Heating Unit for the Cold Season

by Kevin Smith Author

Summer is almost over. Soon it'll be time for back-to-school and pumpkin spice. Get your HVAC system ready for cold weather with these tips from Omega Heating and Air and professional heating and air repair in McDonough, GA.

New Filters

If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to change the filters on your air conditioning unit. Filters should be changed once every 90 days or once a month if you have pets or severe allergies. Set a reminder for yourself to switch out your old filters on the first day of autumn and the first day of every season that follows. If you can’t remember the last time you changed your filters, chances are your past due. Locate your return vent or AC closet and remove the old filter. If you’re unsure what size you need, your old filter should tell you what size it is, or you can simply measure the inside of the unit where the filter fits. If your old filter is heavy with dust and particulate, carefully slip it into a large trash bag and store it outside to prevent contaminating the rest of the home. Changing your filter on a regular basis will greatly improve the quality of the air in your home and help lower your monthly energy costs. Clogged filters force the unit to work harder to pull air through the return vent.

Fall Cleaning

As the cooler temperatures descend, take the time to clean up your yard, especially around the outdoor unit. Pack away the pool supplies and the lawn equipment in the shed until next year. Do not store equipment or patio furniture on or around your unit. To ensure proper airflow, maintain a three-foot clearance around and above the condenser cage. With the unit off, use a low-pressure garden hose or blower to clean the inside of the cage, removing lawn clippings and dead leaves. If any woodland creatures have made their home inside your condenser, call your local animal control to have them safely removed. As the autumn leaves turn and drop, rake your yard regularly and clean out the unit. Dried leaves can be a fire hazard while damp leaves can cause mold to develop inside your outdoor cage.

Annual Tune-up

Before you switch your thermostat to heating mode, have your system professional inspected. Annual tune-ups by a certified air conditioning technician will ensure that your unit is performing at its best. For a yearly checkup or heating and air repairs in McDonough, GA, contact a licensed HVAC professional in your area.