As summer begins to fade and cooler nights creep into the forecast, homeowners in Phoenix are breathing a collective sigh of relief. The intense desert heat puts serious strain on humans, but our air conditioning systems take a beating too, often running nonstop for months. As we switch from cooling to heating, it’s easy to overlook what our HVAC systems are up to.
Schedule an after summer check-up
According to Rosie Certified Partner Rickey Rodriquez of Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing, it’s essential to think of your system the same way you would a car after a road trip.
“There is wear and tear on a vehicle,” Rodriquez said. “After our HVAC systems have gone through a long, hot Phoenix summer, they need to be checked for wearable items to ensure there isn’t a snowball effect of neglect.”
Summers in the Southwest, especially in Phoenix, push air conditioning systems to the limit.
“If a minor part took some damage or wear over the summer,” Rodriquez said. “It could lead to larger and more costly repairs.”
That’s why a post-summer or pre-winter tune-up is highly recommended. Not only does it prepare the system for heating needs, but it can also catch lingering issues from summer that might otherwise go unnoticed until they become major problems.
Rodriquez offers this light-hearted but sound advice:
“Homeowners should thank the inventors of air conditioning, go outside to enjoy the end of summer and then call for a post-summer or pre-winter tune-up.”
Scheduling a check-up with your trusted air conditioning company now can save stress and money when temperatures finally do drop.
Support your unit all year
Change your filters:
Should you change your furnace filter every month? In short – yes. Rodriquez strongly encourages homeowners not to overlook one of the simplest yet most crucial parts of HVAC maintenance: the air filter.
“Filters are the cheapest and easiest way to keep your HVAC system running properly all year round,” Rodriquez said. “Although it may not run as often in the fall and winter, in order to create good habits I would suggest changing your filter every month.”
In the long run, Rodriquez said it’s worth the couple of bucks a month to check the box and not worry about your air filter damaging your HVAC unit. It’s important to let the unit “breathe” as easy as possible – a dirty filter is like running a marathon with a mask on. It’s just extra wear and tear that’s not needed.
Watch for these red flags when your turn on your heater:
While a non-functioning heater is an obvious red flag, Rodriquez warns that other subtle symptoms could indicate serious issues including:
- Unusual noises (clanking, buzzing or whistling)
- Abnormal smells (musty or burning odors)
- Inconsistent heating.
But one smell in particular requires immediate action. “If you smell rotten eggs — call 911 and the gas company immediately,” Rodriquez cautioned. “There could be a gas leak.”
All of these issues require a professional service.
Know how your unit heats
Homes in Arizona can either be heated by a gas furnace or a heat pump. They work very differently. One of the biggest mistakes Rodriquez sees is homeowners who have a heat pump and misunderstand how they work. People often try to raise the temperature four to seven degrees and expect an immediate result. Heat pumps are systems that tend to like to maintain temperature and don’t have the same ability as a gas furnace to raise temperature fast.
During cold snaps, heat pumps may not feel as “hot” as a gas furnace. And without an auxiliary heat strip – a feature many Phoenix-area homes lack – they can actually blow cold air during the defrost cycle.
Gas furnaces, on the other hand, are fast and powerful.
“They will blow hot air fast, but the downside is that the air is drier and can be uncomfortable,” Rodriquez said.
You might want to ask your provider if this upgrade would be helpful for your unit.
Here are the parts the companies sees fail the most:
- Capacitors – wear out regularly, especially after summer use
- Coils and condensate lines – get dirty or clogged
- Electrical control boards – can malfunction due to heat or electrical surges
Interestingly, lack of use can also be damaging.
“Since we don’t have extreme cold temperatures like the Northeast, we often see that lack of use can also do harm,” Rodriquez said.
That’s another reason why regular maintenance matters: it can help avoid problems, though not always prevent them entirely.
Homeowner tip: Another misstep is relying too heavily on space heaters.
“Although they give great spot heating, they are energy hogs. They cost a lot in electricity to run and could present an additional fire hazard,” Rodriquez said. “Heat pumps have come a long way in recent years with handling lower temps. They’re designed to set a temperature and maintain it.”
Remember there is more to your heating and cooling than just the unit
If you’re not ready to replace your entire HVAC system but want better efficiency, there are still plenty of strategies that can help.
“There are some products on the market that will help with longevity and some minor efficiency upgrades,” Rodriquez said. “But to be truly efficient, you have to think about the whole home.”
That includes:
- Proper attic insulation
- Sealed and balanced ductwork
- Efficient windows and doors
- Eliminating drafts from dog doors or skylights.
“Low levels of attic insulation could mean that your unit runs a lot longer than needed to heat or cool the home. Adding insulation is a long-term upgrade that will pay itself off pretty quickly,” Rodriquez added.
Is it time to replace your unit?
Rodriquez believes the better question is: When does it make sense to replace the system versus repair a part?
That answer depends on several factors including:
- Age of the unit
- Cost of the repair vs. replacement
- Expected length of homeownership
- Importance of energy efficiency and reliability.
“We have our service professionals out to the home to give some good feedback on what the homeowner’s system is experiencing,” Rodriquez said. “From there, we can make some good recommendations, but it’s really up to the homeowner to take the advice and information to make an informed decision.”
Whether you’re relying on a heat pump or gas furnace, keeping your system in top shape is critical as you head into fall and winter. Schedule that tune-up, change your filter and take a closer look at your home’s insulation and airflow.
It’s a small investment now that can save you from major expenses – and discomfort – later. Learn more at DayandNightAir.com.
The post How to keep your HVAC system healthy after summer: tips for fall and winter prep appeared first on KTAR.
