The temperature difference between summer and fall can be a true shock to the system – your heating system, that is. While you might not mind the change in weather, your HVAC system does. Your Wichita, KS heating and air needs to go from hot to cold, and few air pollutants to many air pollutants. To prevent this shock from causing your heater to fail, you should prep your system for the cold weather.

What Type of Seasonal Maintenance Should You Do?

The type of maintenance you perform on your heater depends on your type of heating unit. Typically, people have a furnace, heat pump, or a multi-purpose unit. Whatever system you have, it’s important to know that you should do your own maintenance as well as professional maintenance.

Although most people are aware of the need for annual maintenance, they don’t always realize how essential it is to do seasonal maintenance. If you don’t take care of your HVAC system when the seasons change from hot to cold, you could be doing yourself a disservice. Your heater or AC could die at any time and leave you in the lurch.

This is due to the fact that your system needs maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Over time, the various components of your heater wear down. Your parts may need to be lubricated, cleaned, and replaced. When you call for seasonal HVAC maintenance, you get the benefit of a full tune-up. In addition to making your system less likely to fail, the maintenance also makes your heater more energy-efficient.

Here’s a closer look at all the HVAC maintenance you should do for your system:

Replace Your HVAC Filter

This is a simple step that you can take on your own to keep your HVAC system working well. After any seasonal change, replace your filter. There will be better air flow, and your AC can increase its productivity. In fact, your system may be as much as 15% more efficient. 

Make an Upgrade

While this tip isn’t essential, it’s one that can make a significant difference. Before the weather really cools off, you should give your system an upgrade. You can set yourself up for a much more comfortable winter by getting a new HVAC system or adding a few features.

For instance, you might install a smart thermostat. You will have better control of your home’s temperature and save money on your heating and cooling bills, whatever season it might be. Other upgrades include an air purifier, new filters, or even new ductwork.

If you have an old HVAC system, you may need to replace it. Sure, you could wait for your system to completely fail. But this costs you money and time. Before your system fully fails, you might make several expensive repairs. And you also are forced to endure the cold while you wait for a new HVAC system. It’s much better and cost-effective to upgrade your HVAC system before the winter arrives.

Warm Up Your Unit 

 After a long summer, your heater needs some preparation. You can’t expect it to work in prime condition when your heater hasn’t been on in months. Before you need to rely on your heater every day, let it warm up. Run your heater even if you don’t need it to stay warm.

Then, when the cold weather arrives, your heater will be ready to work. If you don’t think you can remember to warm up your heater, set a reminder in your phone.

Prepare Your AC

Just as you don’t want to neglect your heater in the summer, you shouldn’t neglect your AC in the winter. As you prepare your heater, get your AC ready for a long slumber. If you don’t take any steps to winterize your AC, it may not work in the spring.

When the temperature plummets, you may want to cover your AC with a thick blanket. Ice won’t freeze on the unit, and damage is much less likely to occur. However, you need to be cautious and remove the blanket before you attempt to use the air conditioner. This may sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget about the blanket after a long winter.

It’s also a good idea to have a residential HVAC service professional check your AC. They can look for refrigerant leaks and address any issues that occurred after months of daily use.

Work with a KS Heating and Air Professional 

The best way to make sure your heater is ready for the cold is to call a heating and cooling expert. Although there are a few maintenance tasks you can perform on your own, you can’t expect to be able to do everything your heater needs to perform well.

A professional has the training and experience needed to give your heater a detailed examination. They inspect your entire HVAC system and make sure everything works as it should. When you receive heating maintenance, you’re much less likely to be in need of a heater repair. As an added benefit, you extend the life of your heater.

Of course, not all professionals are created equal. If you don’t hire the right person for the job, your heater could be in bad shape. Before you call for maintenance, do some research on the company. Make sure you hire a reputable professional who prides themselves in customer satisfaction.

It’s Not Too Late

Even if the cold weather is upon you, there’s still time. It’s never too late to get heating maintenance. An HVAC technician can come out today and inspect and maintain your heater. Then, you don’t need to worry about facing the winter without a heater to keep you warm. 

If you take care of your heater, it will take care of you. Imagine a Wichita winter with no heat. The thought should leave you shivering. Rather than expose yourself to the cold, you should give us a call at Eck Services. Our KS heating and air specialists are always ready to answer the call in Wichita. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.