The leaves around Pittsburgh are changing, the Steelers are making another run for the playoffs, and there is a slight nip in the air. This means fall is upon us! And if the coffee shops around the City of Bridges are starting to serve pumpkin-flavored drinks, that means it’s time to prep your home for winter by shutting down your air conditioner and firing up the furnace!
But before you make a beeline for the “heat” setting on your thermostat, there are a few maintenance to-do’s that will ensure your air conditioner will be ready to go again at the end of winter, and that your furnace will keep your home healthy, comfortable, and efficient as the wind and snow start to pop up on the morning forecast.
Schedule Furnace (and AC!) Maintenance
One of the most important and rewarding tasks on your checklist should be scheduling AC and heater maintenance between the major season changes. This is important for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump because it has been sitting silent all summer long, which can lead to deteriorated interior parts. Additionally, your air conditioner has just finished the marathon that is the Pennsylvania summer and could use a little TLC before it is sent into hibernation. Think of it like prepping a fishing boat for winter storage, and getting the snowmobile out and ready for a season of fun!
Calfo’s maintenance services can alert you to the need for furnace repair or AC repair before you are left stranded in an uncomfortable home!
Clear Debris Away From Any Outdoor Units
While you are out preparing your landscaping for the upcoming winter, check any of the outdoor components of your heating and cooling system. An AC air compressor or a heat pump compressor can be damaged by debris like leaves, twigs, trash, and overgrown landscaping. Clear at least 3 to 6 feet of space around your outdoor units.
Check for Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can be hard to identify, especially when it slowly creeps into your home. Check your air vents for dust accumulation, inspect your ductwork as best you can for signs of mold growth, and make sure your air filters have been changed! If your air filter is particularly dirty after this summer season, there may be air leaks in your home and your ductwork that are pulling in outside contaminants and harmful particles like allergens, pet dander, and bacteria. Ask Calfo about locating and resolving these issues ASAP, so you can breathe cleaner air for the upcoming winter inside your home.
Add a Mini Split In Any Hard-to-Condition Rooms
Did you notice any rooms that were a little too hot while your AC kept the rest of your home nice and cool over the summer? These hard-to-reach rooms are often not included in original ductwork, so if you have added square footage to your home, or are looking for an efficient way to keep traditionally unconditioned spaces (like the garage or a recently finished basement) comfortable, consider a mini split or ductless heat pump! These relatively compact and easy-to-install heating and cooling devices provide both heating and cooling and can be configured in many different ways to fit your needs.
It’s time to get your home ready for winter! Schedule furnace and boiler maintenance with Calfo today, by calling 412-561-9821 or you can get in touch here.
