Fall HVAC Maintenance

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Fall is a great time to have your HVAC system maintenance completed. As the summer comes to an end, it’s time for Pittsburgh homeowners to ensure their heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system is prepared for the winter.

When you properly maintain your HVAC system, you are ensuring that it will run smoothly throughout the winter when you need it most. It is crucial to invest your time and money into seasonal maintenance to help keep your system running smoothly while also preventing costly repairs.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Air Conditioner

Although you will be turning off your air conditioner, there are a few things you should do before winter to prepare your unit so that it is ready for next summer. Winterizing your cooling system is crucial to having a comfortable home in the warmer months.

DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance

There are several things you can do yourself to prepare your AC for the winter, including:

Remove debris such as brush, branches, or tall grass within a four-foot proximity of your unit.
Clear off the outside of your unit, removing any debris or dirt. If you need to use water to clean the unit, switch off the power to the unit first.
Use a plastic or vinyl cover to shield your unit from the elements. You can purchase an actual air conditioner cover, or you can use a tarp secured with a bungee cord or vinyl rope.
Make sure that your exterior pipes are insulated. This can be done by wrapping them with foam pipe covers secured with duct tape.

Professional HVAC Maitenance

For some winterization tasks, it is best to call the professionals at VENTEC Refrigeration. Our team of technicians will complete a variety of winterization tasks, including:

Cleaning dust and dirt off the coil.
Check refrigerant charge and the quality of the pulleys, ducts, and belts.
If you haven’t done so, we will also clean and inspect your system for any issues that may need attention.
Clear the drain pipes and lines. This is done to prevent standing water in the system over the winter.

How Can I Prepare My Heating System for Winter?

No matter what type of heating system you use, you should schedule an annual maintenance appointment with VENTEC Refrigeration to ensure your system is in proper working order.

DIY Heating System Maintenance

We recommend that you stock up on furnace filters.
Use a vacuum to clear out your vents of dust. This helps to prevent overloading the filter and will also help improve your indoor air quality.
Change the filters once every three months or once a month for those with allergies.

Professional Heating System Maintenance

When we visit your home to maintain your heating system, we will clean and inspect your residential system. This includes thoroughly examining the controls, connections, sensors, ignitors, pipes, burners, valves, motors, drains, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and your thermostat.

We will also provide you with any care instructions you need to follow in between our service visits. We will also calibrate your thermostat to ensure it is reading accurately.