The kids have gone back to school in Niceville and with fall holidays quickly approaching, now’s the perfect time to do some routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system. Preparing your air conditioner for a long hibernation is critical. The last thing you want is your furnace breaking down in the middle of a cold season. Putting a little effort into making sure your HVAC system is working efficiently can go far. You will significantly reduce your HVAC system’s energy consumption. Make the switch from cooling to heating as smooth as possible. Below are some insightful tips on fall HVAC preventive maintenance.

Fall HVAC Preventive Maintenance Tips

Clean or Replace Air Filters

Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system. If you have not cleaned or changed the air filters of your system for a while, now is the perfect time to do it. This should be done every 1-3 months. Luckily, Gulfshore Air provides this service. We would be happy to come to check out your air filters to ensure great air quality. To be safe, inspect your air filter every 30 days to see if it is dirty and clogged.

Clean and Unblock All Vents and Registers

Go around your home and make sure all of your return and supply vents and registers are clean and clear. Double-check that none of them are blocked by rugs, furniture, or closed off in any way.  While you are checking to make sure nothing is blocking your vents, take some time to clean them of any dust that may have gathered around the area. Cleaning your vents helps prevent the dirt and dust from entering your HVAC system and circulating around your home.

Reprogram Your Thermostat

When you start transitioning from cooling to heating, it’s a good idea to reprogram your thermostat. You can save a lot of money with a smart or programmable thermostat — you just have to make sure it’s set properly. Lower the thermostat temperature for the times you aren’t at home to save some money and energy. You can save “1% for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long” (U.S. DOE). Learn the ideal programmable thermostat settings for winter.

Professional HVAC Inspection

Have you serviced your HVAC system for the winter period? A well maintained and serviced HVAC system is highly efficient in both its functionality and energy consumption.  Gulfshore Air suggests scheduling an inspection for your HVAC system at least twice a year, once in the fall for the heating system and once in the spring for the cooling system. The inspection is meant to detect any potential problems and ensure that the HVAC system is working as efficiently as possible.

Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

Considering the age of your heating system and your current energy bills should be the first thing you do. Heating systems that are more than 10 years old are only 40-60 % efficient. If your HVAC system is on its last legs, seriously consider replacing the entire HVAC system.  Unit breakdowns are frustrating, avoiding those is ideal. Today, gas furnaces available in the market boast of efficiency ratings that are as high as 97%. Our experienced technicians will check filters, inspect electrical switches, belts, contacts, motors, safety switches, gas pressure, and refrigerant levels.

Contact Us

Finally, remember that qualified heating and cooling technicians at Gulfshore are here to help you year-round. In any season, annual maintenance tune-ups for your HVAC system should be routine.  To schedule an appointment with Niceville, Florida’s most trusted HVAC contractor, visit our website, www.gulfshoreair.com. Or, we would be happy to talk to you at 850-897-6540.  Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating is fully licensed and insured. We offer round the clock emergency service.