With a few preventive measures, and help from air conditioning services in Hampton, GA, you can prepare your HVAC unit for the winter months. Check out these tips from the professionals at Omega Heating & Air.
New Filters
The first and easiest step to prepare your HVAC unit for winter is to change out your filters. Most filters are designed to last between 60 and 90 days, depending on your usage. If you have pets, you should be changing your filter every month. Pet dander, dust, and mold spores can build up inside your filter, forcing your unit to work harder to move air through the system. By changing your filters, you’ll also reduce the strain on your unit and prevent higher power bills. Set yourself a reminder to change your filters by marking the first day of the season or the first day of the month on your calendar.
Cleaning Your Unit
Keep your outdoor unit free of yard debris and outdoor furniture. Debris like grass clippings and dead leaves can build up inside and around your unit. Not only is this a fire hazard, but the dead foliage can also cause mold to build up inside your unit. To remove yard debris, turn your unit off at the breaker and use a garden hose to clean the inside of the unit. If tiny woodland creatures have made their nests inside your unit, call animal control to have them removed and relocated. Maintain a three-foot clearance around your unit by removing any lawn equipment and furniture. This will ensure adequate airflow.
Annual Checkup
Schedule your annual HVAC checkup before winter arrives. Annual checkups and tune-ups are designed to spot problems before they happen. Imagine your heating coil dying in the middle of winter. If a part needs replacing, you could be without warmth for several days while you wait for the part to arrive. You’ll also pay more in emergency repair costs. An experienced technician is trained to recognize potential problems and use preventive measures to help you avoid common HVAC problems before they happen. Annual checkups from a highly skilled air conditioning service in Hampton, GA, are an investment in the life of your unit as well as a great way to save money on major repairs.