The last few heat waves of summer can push your HVAC system hard, even as cooler evenings start to creep in. If your system has been running nonstop for weeks, a little upkeep now can save you trouble later. At Cool Power LLC, in Ronkonkoma, NY, we help New York homeowners keep their HVAC running smoothly through the seasonal shifts, not just when problems hit.
Check the Filters
As the cooler air starts to creep in, your HVAC system begins its seasonal shift. All the dust, pollen, and pet hair that built up during the summer can block airflow. If the filter remains clogged, your system works harder to push air through, and that can impede its performance. When switching from cooling to heating, a clean filter offers better airflow and fewer indoor air quality problems. If your allergies have been flaring up or rooms feel stuffy, that’s a good sign the filter hasn’t been changed in a while. Some filters can be rinsed and reused, but many need to be replaced entirely.
Clear the Space Around the Outdoor Unit
If your air conditioning has been running constantly all summer, your outdoor condenser could be showing signs of it. Grass clippings, leaves, and other debris can accumulate around the base of the unit. When airflow gets blocked, heat can’t escape the coils properly. That buildup can make your system less efficient and more likely to overheat.
Clear out any weeds, move tools or toys that have been left nearby, and brush away debris from the fan area. If you notice gunk on the coils, schedule a professional cleaning. If your HVAC is buzzing, rattling, or sounds louder than usual, a technician can catch a problem early, before it becomes an expensive repair.
Tweak the Thermostat for Fall Settings
Adjust the thermostat setting to meet the demands of the season. Some people forget to switch their thermostat from cooling mode to heating, which can lead to the HVAC system failing to respond to warm the house when the nights get cold.
Smart thermostats give you control over settings when you travel or have a different weekday routine. If you notice that the house always feels too cold in the morning or too warm at bedtime, a few small adjustments to the thermostat can remedy the issue.
Check for Drainage Issues Around the System
Summer humidity puts a lot of pressure on your HVAC’s condensate drain line. That’s the pipe that carries away the moisture pulled from your indoor air during the cooling process. If this drain gets blocked, it can back up into the unit or leak into your home. A blocked drain causes water to appear near the system and musty smells.
When moisture is in the air for too long, it can encourage mold to grow inside the equipment. That makes your air smell bad, and your HVAC system works harder. You can clear some blockages with a shop vacuum or a special brush, but if the pipe looks damaged or the pan is rusted through, you’ll want a professional to investigate it.
Look for Cracks in Ductwork and Connections
If cool air has been slipping out all summer through the ductwork, your energy bills might have been higher than they needed to be. Start by checking for dust or cobwebs around your vents. Those issues can point to leaks behind the walls or in the attic. If you can access your ducts directly, look for loose connections or holes near seams.
Even a small tear can allow air to escape, which means your system must run longer to reach the thermostat’s set temperature. Some problems are easy to repair with foil tape, but larger gaps or sagging ducts may require professional repairs. Sealing leaks now helps both your heating and cooling work better later.
Test the Heating System Before You Need it
Before it gets cold enough to require heat, do a test run. Set the thermostat to a warmer setting and wait to see if it reaches the set temperature. Does the furnace start up right away? Do the vents blow warm air? Are there any odd smells or sounds? A little dust burning off the HVAC isn’t a big deal, but smoke or banging sounds aren’t something to ignore. If the furnace doesn’t respond at all, you’ll want that checked long before the weather changes so it can meet your heating demands. It’s also a good time to check for pilot light problems or error codes on the display, if your system has one. Catching these issues now makes it easier to schedule repairs, since most people don’t think about their furnace until the first cold snap.
Clean Around Indoor Vents and Return Grilles
Over the summer, vents tend to collect dust, especially if you’ve had the windows open or fans running often. That buildup doesn’t just sit there, but it gets pushed into the air when your system runs. If you have pets or a lot of foot traffic, those vents can clog faster than you’d think. Go room by room and check each register. If you see dust or debris inside the grille, it’s time for a cleaning.
Vacuum the face of the vent and gently wipe it with a damp cloth. Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking the airflow. If a return grille looks especially dirty or if you notice one area of the house feels stuffy or stagnant, the ductwork behind it might need cleaning. Clean vents help improve air circulation, causing your HVAC system to work less to maintain your desired temperature balance.
Check for Unusual Odors
When your HVAC kicks on after summer, it’s normal to smell a little dust or mustiness at first. That usually clears up fast and isn’t a big deal. However, if the smell lingers or gets worse, that’s worth paying attention to. A sour or damp smell might mean there’s moisture stuck in your ducts or coils.
A sharp or burnt smell could be a sign of an electrical problem. It could be plastic or chemicals burning, so turn off the HVAC and have a professional investigate the cause.
Don’t Forget About Safety Checks
End-of-summer maintenance isn’t just about comfort. It’s also about ensuring your system runs safely as it switches from cooling to heating mode. If your HVAC uses gas heating, you’ll want to check for any signs of leaks or corrosion near the furnace. If it uses electric resistance heating, you should listen for popping or buzzing sounds that don’t seem normal.
Carbon monoxide detectors should also be tested. These devices lose power just like smoke detectors, and they won’t help you if they have a dead battery. If you smell anything metallic or strange while the heat is running, shut the system off and call for service. It’s better to play it safe now than face a mid-season emergency when HVAC companies are swamped with calls.
Get Your NY HVAC Ready for Next Season
Scheduling maintenance for your HVAC after summer means more than comfort. It helps protect your equipment, cut energy waste, and avoid stressful situations. Along with maintenance and repairs, we also handle thermostat upgrades and indoor air quality solutions to help your system work more efficiently. Be sure to ask about our HVAC maintenance agreement!
Schedule your seasonal HVAC service today with Cool Power LLC.
