It may be hard to believe it now, but cooler weather is around the corner. Your air conditioning (HVAC) system has been working overtime keeping you and your family cool and comfortable all summer. Now that we looking ahead to the fall and winter months, it is a good idea to perform a check-up on your HVAC system and make sure it is in top condition and prepared for the winter.

Clear Away Debris

Over the summer our HVAC units can become littered with yard debris. Summer storms toss limbs, branches, and leaves onto and around the units that need to be cleared in order for it to continue to run properly. HVAC units pull in air from the outside, so any debris blocking the intake can be sucked into the unit or hinder its ability to have proper airflow. Make sure you turn the power off to your unit before you begin to brush away the collected debris and dirt.

You can use brushes to knock off any stuck-on dirt and grime, and even a small vacuum to extract matter that has collected in harder to reach areas. While you are cleaning the unit, it is a good time to observe and loose or disconnected pieces. Straighten any bent fins using gentle pressure from a tool such as a butter knife or screwdriver. In situations where a lot of debris has fallen through the grill into the actual unit, you can unscrew the grill and set it aside without disconnecting any wires.

Using a damp cloth or sponge, you can clean off any molds or stuck-on grime from the surfaces. Spraying the fins in outward motion with a water hose can also dislodge debris. Once you reattach the cover, you can restore the power and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Trim Trees And Shrubbery Around Units

To help keep tree leaves and debris out of your HVAC units, remove any dead or dying branches that are near and trim back bushes and shrubbery to help keep the cleaner. Heavy limbs can damage an HVAC unit in a fall, and making sure your HVAC system is not in any path of impending disaster is key to keeping it running as it should.

Professional HVAC Maintenance, Repair, & Replacement

It is a wise idea to have your HVAC system professionally inspected once a year to make sure it is operating at full capacity. In this assessment, any repairs needed can be conducted and if necessary, replacement of your unit can be discussed. Call Shirley Air, Inc. today for more information about our professional and experienced HVAC services.