6 Fall Projects to Maximize HVAC Efficiency
Though north Florida and south Georgia experience milder fall weather in comparison to many other climates, it’s still important for homeowners in these areas to prepare their HVAC units for the changing season.
From DIY tasks to in-depth maintenance requiring the expertise of a heating and cooling specialist, here are a few HVAC-related projects that will help ensure your home comfort system is operating at peak efficiency this fall.
Check for Drafts and Leaks
To ensure your windows and doors don’t let cold air into your home in the winter, check the caulking and window-stripping and replace anything that is broken or cracked.
Inspect your Thermostat
If your thermostat is incorrectly reading the temperature in your home, it will cause unnecessary cycling of your air conditioner or heat pump. A convenient way to test the temperature sensor is to tape a thermometer to the wall next to the thermostat. After 15 minutes, compare it to the reading on your thermostat. If the numbers are more than a degree apart, the thermostat is likely not giving an accurate reading.
Clear Airways of Obstruction
For even distribution of air throughout your home, clear your vents of dust and debris, and move your heavy furniture and other items that may be blocking registers and preventing heat from reaching all of your living spaces.
Inspect your Ducts
Every few years, you should schedule a professional inspection of your ducts. Though there are various ways to test your duct system’s functionality, the Performance Air Testing and Sealing (PATS) method uses advanced technology to take the guesswork out of repairing a duct leak by testing and sealing under-performing duct systems. If you are noticing inconsistent room temperature or your home is constantly dusty, you may have leaky ducts.
Add Attic Insulation
In preparation for the cold weather, adding or installing attic insulation will help maintain an even temperature throughout your home and alleviate stress on your HVAC unit. For most areas in north Florida and south Georgia, the R-value recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy for attics with no existing insulating material is between R-30 and R-60.
Schedule a Fall Tune-Up
Scheduling a tune-up in the fall ensures that your system is prepared to keep you comfortable all winter long and allows you to make any necessary repairs before the heating season begins. Fall is also a great time to schedule a tune-up because of the season’s mild temperatures. In most instances, you’ll want to have the tune-up done on a day that your system has not been used to either heat or cool your home.
If you’d like to schedule a fall tune-up or HVAC inspection, call Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning at 850-580-4029 or 229-495-6599 to learn more about our Total Comfort Service Program.