Chicagoland Fall HVAC Maintenance: Your Essential Checklist
Once the calendar ticks past Labor Day in Chicago, the average temperatures average from 62 F to 73 F, and the low temperatures range from 50 F to 63 F. Once Chicagoland enters this period, you generally have to run neither your air conditioning or your furnace. If you have a heat pump, you may only have to run it in minimal amounts. This makes September and October the perfect time to have an HVAC technician perform maintenance on your system.
The Fall HVAC Tune-Up Checklist
Once fall moves into November, the average low temperature in Chicago drops to 39 F, and you'll have to start using your heat more often. Here are some suggestions from Energy Star:
Simple DIYs
There are a few easy things that you can do yourself. These include:
- Changing the air filter.
- Remove the interior covers from the vent and vacuum.
- Use a water hose to clean debris off the outside components of your system and clear away weeds, grass, and other plants.
After you check these off, it's time to let the pros do their work.
Cleaning Ducts
If you have them, ducts can collect biological contaminants that will ruin indoor air quality. Having them professionally cleaned is vital to maintaining air quality in your home. Not doing so could worsen seasonal allergies, dust, or pet dandruff.
Check for Leaks and Top Off Coolant
Your air conditioner will only work with correct coolant levels. Check for leaks in your system while you’re topping it off to the proper levels. If you have a heat pump, the heat exchanger also needs coolant to work correctly.
Check Furnace Components
Winter in Chicagoland can sometimes get to subzero temperatures, so you’ll want your furnace to run at its best. A professional technician should check the igniter, gas connections, pilot, and blower. When the heat is on, the flame should be blue and orange. If it's not, then adjustment is required.
Perform Maintenance on Compressors and Coils
The coils should be clean and leak-free. The compressor should run relatively quietly and move the coolant quickly and efficiently. If either of these isn’t true, call a technician right away.
Benefits of an HVAC Tune-Up
A professional HVAC tune-up has many benefits. Your indoor air quality will improve, your HVAC system will last longer, and your energy bills will be less. You will have peace of mind that you can stay cool on excessively hot summer days and warm on extremely cold winter days.
Usually, the professional technician who services your HVAC system will recommend a smart thermostat if you don't already have one. Such a thermostat will not only be more accurate at regulating temperature than other thermostats, but it will also contribute to lower energy bills.
Professional Service vs. DIY
Unless you have the proper training, you won't be able to do many things that your HVAC system needs. And, if you try to do things with a gas connection, any mistake could be catastrophic. Also, if a professional technician happens to break something, then the company will absorb the cost. If you break something, then you have to pay for it yourself.
Conclusion
Like anything mechanical, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently and lasts as long as possible. The Better Business Bureau has given us accreditation and an A+ rating, so you can trust our expertise and standing in the industry. Contact Service Express Heating and Air Conditioning today to book an appointment for HVAC maintenance.
