You know how unpredictable the weather is here in Central Texas, so we decided to go ahead and help you prepare for cooler weather now. Also, when the thermostat dips below 90 degrees, we start to pull out our sweaters and jackets. It’s a Texas thing and we are here for it.
But while you start to change out the clothing in your closets and add pumpkins to your front porch decor, don’t forget to prepare your HVAC system for the cooler temps as well.
We’ve had a recent change in the weather with cooler temperatures in the morning. We are super excited about this, as we are sure you are too. And while your AC has been running hard all summer, your HVAC system is about to switch jobs. Make sure the heating side of the system is ready and reduce the chance of discovering a heating problem when temperatures drop with this handy checklist.
1. Change or Check Your Air Filter
We know what you’re thinking – we mention this in nearly every blog, email, and social media post. However, your air filter is an essential part of your HVAC system, readily at your control, and is often overlooked and forgotten by homeowners everywhere. So, we want to remind you to go check the filter.
Your AC has been running heavily all summer so it’s very possible that the filter is ready to be replaced. A dirty filter restricts airflow and causes both your cooling and heating systems to work harder. This can contribute to uneven temperatures and poor indoor air quality.
What Homeowners Should Do
Inspect your filter and replace it if it looks dirty. How often should you replace your filter? That depends on the filter type, pets, allergies, your household size, and more. This is a great question to ask our team. And make sure you are using the correct size and type for your system.
Starting the heating season with a clean filter is the easiest HVAC maintenance task you can do.
2. Test Your Heater Before You Actually Need It
Don’t wait until the first freeze rushes in or an especially cold night to find out your heater isn’t working. Test it while temperatures are still mild so you have time to schedule a repair without an emergency.
Simple Test:
- Switch the thermostat from COOL to HEAT
- Set the temperature a few degrees above your current indoor temperature
- Give your system a few minutes to start
- Check whether warm air is coming through the vents
Watch For:
- No heat coming from your vents
- Weak airflow
- Your system repeatedly starting and stopping
- Unusual noises
- Your thermostat not responding
- Unusual smells (read next section for more on this)
3. Know Which First-Use Heater Smells Are Normal And Which Aren’t
We all know that moment – you start your heater for the first time after the summer and a strange, burning smell comes from your vents. You get on alert as you try to decide if the smell is normal or if your system is about to catch fire.
This section will help you determine when that first-use heater smell is normal and when your unit should be looked at.
What May Be Normal
It’s normal to notice a dusty or slightly burning smell when you run your heater for the first time after sitting unused for months. The important thing to remember is it should be temporary and not continue after running the heater. Dust can accumulate on the heating components of your unit during the warmer months. When you start the heater, those components heat up and the dust and particles burn up and create the temporary burning smell.
When To Be Concerned
However, if you notice persistent burning odors, electrical or plastic smells, smoke, strong or unusual odors that don’t go away, or gas-like smells, turn off your unit and contact our team right away.
Also, suspected gas odors are a potentially serious event and you should follow appropriate gas-safety procedures instead of attempting to troubleshoot the system yourself. When in doubt, call 911 to report a potential gas leak.
4. Check the Vents And Airflow Throughout Your Home
Walk through your home and make sure all air supply vents are open. Check that furniture, rugs, curtains, toys, and other objects aren’t blocking the registers. Then, take note of where airflow feels significantly weaker in certain rooms. Uneven airflow can indicate airflow restrictions, duct leaks, ductwork problems, system issues, or insulation or air-sealing problems. When one room is not cooling or heating properly, this can indicate a bigger issue and we recommend having it looked at before the cold nights make their way to the Brazos Valley.
5. Check Your Thermostat and Update Your Schedule
Another recommended step before the heating season comes is to check your thermostat. First, confirm that your thermostat switches properly between the cooling and heating setting. Replace the thermostat batteries if applicable. Make sure the temperature displayed seems accurate.
Also, as evening and afternoon temperatures continue to fluctuate, you may want to update your thermostat programmed schedule soon. Central Texas fall usually follows this pattern (though we know anything is possible when it comes to weather in our region): cool mornings, warm afternoons, cooler evenings. Instead of keeping the summer cooling settings, you can adjust the thermostat to be prepared and also potentially help save money.
6. Inspect and Clear Around the outdoor HVAC Unit
With the recent rain after an extended hot and dry season, you may have received a lot of fallen leaves, grass clippings, sticks, and other debris throughout your lawn. This debris likely built up around your outdoor HVAC unit. We recommend regularly inspecting your unit but especially now. Check for leaves, grass clippings, weeds, branches, mud, and other yard waste.
Your air condenser unit needs adequate airflow for your HVAC system to flow properly. Blocking the unit can cause it to work harder than needed without proper air flow. Leave clear space around your home has a heat pump, your outdoor unit is even more important because it continues operating during heating mode.
7. Listen for Unusual HVAC Noises
As you run your first heating cycle to test the system, this is a good opportunity to listen to the system as well.
Here are several signs you should not ignore:
- Grinding
- Screeching
- Squealing
- Loud rattling
- Banging
- Clicking that continues repeatedly
- Unusually loud operation
In the same way you may experience unusual smells when you first run your heating cycle, you can also experience startup sounds that are not normally heard. However, new or persistent noises can indicate worn components, loose parts, airflow problems or other mechanical issues. It is important to have this looked at to address possible repairs before they become bigger.
8. Schedule a Fall HVAC Tune-Up
We know that after a super hot summer, the last thing you want to think about is your heating system. You’re busy enjoying the cooler temperatures right now and the savings on your utility bill. We do believe that fall maintenance is important and worth considering. And right now is the perfect time to make sure your system is running at its best.
Our professional HVAC inspection can help catch problems before cold weather arrives. We can also help improve your system’s efficiency and reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns. We will check the electrical and mechanical components of your system, verify that your thermostat is operating properly, inspect airflow, and identify any worn or failing parts.
With the heat of this last summer, your HVAC system worked through months of intense cooling demand. Now that it can breathe a little bit, this is the best opportunity to have the unit checked before turning over into the heating season.
Give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a fall HVAC tune-up.
9. Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality as You Close Up Your House
When the winter temperatures do finally make their way into the Brazos Valley, you may tend to keep windows closed more often and spend more time indoors with your family. Because of this, indoor contaminants can build up. We recommend a few simple air quality checks to consider: make sure your HVAC filters are clean and replaced when needed, maintain healthy humidity levels in your home, keep your air ducts clean to prevent circulating irritating or unhealthy particles in your home.
We also recommend that you consider our air quality services. As winter can often bring germs and sickness with it, as well as built up dust and allergens, our air quality services can help keep the air in your home fresher and cleaner. Check out our recent article on the topic: Is The Air Inside Your Home Really Clean? 7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality.
10. Know the Signs It’s Time to Call an HVAC Professional
As you test your heating system and prepare it for cooler temperatures, you should know when it’s recommended to call HVAC professionals. Here are a few signs you should call us:
- Heater won’t turn on
- Heater runs but doesn’t produce warm air
- Weak air flow
- Uneven temperatures through the home
- Strange or persistent odors
- Unusual noises
- Frequent cycling
- System running continuously
- Sudden increase in energy bills
- Thermostat problems
- Breaker repeatedly tripping
If you experience any of these issues, it’s best to call us now. Diagnosing a problem early can often prevent a more inconvenient and costly breakdown later.
Get Your HVAC Ready Before the First Texas Cold Front
Our Central Texas fall weather may still include plenty of warm afternoons, but cooler mornings are a reminder that the heating season isn’t far away. Taking a little time now can help you avoid surprises when the first real cold front arrives.
R&R Quality Air can inspect your HVAC system, address heating or airflow problems, and help make sure your home is comfortable and ready for cooler weather. Don’t wait until the first cold night to discover your heater isn’t working. Schedule your fall HVAC check with us today.