Charlotte, NC summer weather can put a lot of demand on your HVAC system. As cooler weather approaches, Putnam Mechanical offers some end-of-summer HVAC tips to help you stay comfortable. Our goal is to help maintain the integrity of your HVAC system while ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability throughout all four seasons.
Addressing Your HVAC System’s Filter
It’s common for homeowners to forget about their HVAC filter. However, this is a crucial component of your HVAC system that you shouldn’t neglect. Most filters need to be changed every 30 to 90 days. If you changed your filter at the beginning of summer and haven’t since then, the end of summer is the perfect time to do so. This is especially true if you used your air conditioner frequently in the past few months. Between filter changes, inspect your filter regularly. Check for a large presence of debris on the surface of your filter. If light can’t pass through the filter, it’s dirty and should be replaced.
To prepare for chillier days and nights, consider switching to a different type of filter for your HVAC system. The Minimum-Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV for short, is a rating system that indicates the level of restriction and effectiveness of a filter. The higher the MERV rating, the less porous the filter is, which means the filter can trap more particulates. However, don’t invest in a filter with a rating above 12 unless you have an upgraded HVAC system that can handle the restriction in airflow. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
Change Ceiling Fan Direction
Ceiling fans should move in a counterclockwise direction during the summer months to create a wind chill effect. However, this could make your home feel cold in the fall and winter. Change the direction of your ceiling fans when temperatures start to drop. Having them move in a clockwise direction will help circulate warm air where you need it.
Thermostat Considerations and Upgrades
Over time, it’s possible to see a subtle shift in temperature readings coming from your thermostat. The goal is to maintain readings within one degree of the actual home temperature. Routine maintenance at the end of summer can include calibrating your thermostat. This can save you money by preventing your HVAC system from running more frequently than is necessary.
It may also be time to consider upgrading to a smart model if you don’t already have one. A smart thermostat enables you to program a set schedule for the colder weather, minimizing runtime while maintaining a comfortable and safe indoor environment. Features like adaptive learning and geofencing technology can significantly reduce your energy use and protect your HVAC system.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Equipment
If you have outdoor HVAC equipment that you will no longer be using come fall and winter, take proactive steps to protect it during the off-season. For example, clear away grass, weeds and brush that have accumulated around your outdoor condenser. Some units can be covered to protect them during the winter. However, we recommend checking with our team before taking any action. Some condensers can experience damage if they’re covered for the entire winter.
Inside your home, check vents and registers to ensure they are free of blockage. Air should be able to flow freely through your system. This supports ideal comfort but also protects your HVAC equipment from strain. Don’t close vents to direct airflow elsewhere. This leads to strain and damage on the delicate interior components of your system.
Getting Professional Support
We recommend that you have your HVAC system inspected and maintained at least once a year. Some homeowners choose to schedule two appointments per year. Scheduling a furnace tune-up appointment before the start of fall will ensure your furnace is ready to keep your home comfortable and warm as temperatures begin to drop. Scheduling a spring appointment ensures that the AC will operate properly before the days warm up.
Routine inspections and maintenance include tasks like tightening loose connections, checking electrical connections, making minor repairs and replacements and cleaning interior components. These simple tasks go a long way toward protecting your HVAC system, resulting in a decreased risk of repairs and a longer system lifespan. You can expect a noticeable improvement in system efficiency after maintenance, which can result in lower monthly energy bills.
At Putnam Mechanical, we are committed to helping homeowners in the Charlotte area prepare their HVAC systems for the cooler weather ahead. In addition to routine inspections and a convenient, cost-saving maintenance agreement, we also perform new equipment installation and emergency repairs. Contact us at Putnam Mechanical today!
