Leaf debris, rainy conditions, and cold weather fluctuations; fall is upon us here in Portland.
And with the falling leaves, raindrops, and temperatures comes your annual reminder to prep your HVAC system for the season. (Don’t worry: if you forgot, PNW ProClean is here to remind you.)
Here’s a comprehensive seven-step guide on how to transition your Portland HVAC system from cooling to heating, including cleaning, preventative maintenance tips, and more.
1 – Test Your Heating System
Before you do anything else, give your HVAC system a test run. You don’t want to wait for consistent blistering temperatures to turn on your heater, only for it to conk out.
When the system is on, check for unusual sounds and smells. Walk around your home and feel around the vents, checking for warm airflow. Take note of whether heating seems consistent or spotty throughout.
If you notice problems with your heating system, call PNW ProClean; one of our skilled technicians will identify potential problems and get your home back in working order.
2 – Check Your Thermostat Settings
Inspect the thermostat to determine if anything needs updating. If your heating system is unresponsive, it’s possible the thermostat has a dead battery and can’t communicate with the heating infrastructure.
Digital thermostats usually display a message indicating when it’s time to replace the batteries or dim the display to indicate so. If you change out the batteries quickly, you won’t need to reset the entire system.
Pro tip: If you have a manual thermostat, you may consider upgrading to a temperature controlled thermostat. Also known as a smart thermostat, the device automatically turns on and off heating (and cooling) to remain within a target zone. These thermostats track usage so you can better manage costs.
3 – Clear Air Vents and Registers
Turn off your heating system and use a handheld vacuum and/or duster to remove debris from registers. You can also remove and wash the grates to thoroughly scrub sticky debris. Do not attempt to clean registers when your HVAC system is on; you’ll inadvertently cause dust to blow around your home.
Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture, bedding, rugs, curtains, or baskets. Do not place paper goods like books, mail, or cardboard boxes in front of vents, which pose a fire hazard. Be vigilant about plastic bags or debris, which can be sucked into the vent.
Keeping vents clear and leaving as many vents open as possible, helps maintain airflow throughout the home. In the winter, when the heat is on, proper airflow prevents stuffiness.
4 – Clean or Change Your Air Filters
Air filters promote healthier indoor air and help remove pollutants year-round, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. HVAC air filters trap dust and debris such as pet dander and pollen, and are especially important in homes with children, older folks, pets, and people with asthma.
Clogged or dirty filters interfere with air quality and airflow. Bacteria, dust, mold, and debris becomes trapped in the home’s HVAC system and continuously recirculates. Debris-filled filters can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues, increase the risk of infections like sore throat and bronchitis, and more.
In Portland, the seasonal wildfires can also affect indoor air quality, MERV-13 filters are ideal for trapping fine smoke particles. These filters trap up to 98% of fine particles from smoke, bacteria, dust, pollen, dander, and more. Unfortunately, MERV-13 filters also clog faster because they trap so much debris. To maintain clean indoor air, standard one-inch-thick MERV-13 filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days.
5 – Look Over Your Ductwork
Perform a quick overview of your home’s ductwork, specifically checking for signs of leakage. If your ducts are dirty or damaged, you’ll likely notice cold spots throughout your home, weak airflow, heavy dust buildup, and/or unexpectedly high energy bills.
If you notice dust or damage, don’t attempt repairs yourself. Call PNW ProClean to schedule an appointment, so we can perform a professional duct inspection and determine if sealing or cleaning measures are needed.
6 – Keep Outdoor HVAC Equipment Clean
Maintaining indoor airflow also requires tending to your outdoor HVAC equipment. Prune surroundings as needed, ensuring it’s kept clear of branches, leaves, and dirt. Trim vegetation so it doesn’t interfere with the equipment.
It’s important to keep the equipment clean, so it can adequately absorb heat in the winter and release heat in the summer. Any surrounding debris blocks the machine and prevents it from working efficiently. Strained equipment has to work harder to perform the same tasks and overheats as a result. Frequent overheating can cause the system to break down.
If you encounter issues with your outdoor HVAC equipment, do not attempt to dismantle or repair the unit yourself. Contact PNW ProClean straight away; our skilled technicians are prepared to help get your system up and running again.
7 – Schedule Professional Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Annual maintenance from a professional HVAC technician prepares your equipment for the year ahead.
During tune-ups, an HVAC technician performs the following:
- Inspects equipment and electrical connections
- Cleans main components
- Checks system performance
- Evaluates airflow and performance
- Identifies worn or malfunctioning parts
Annual checks allow homeowners to handle issues with their HVAC system as they arise. When the temperature drops, it’s certainly not ideal to deal with equipment malfunctions.
HVAC professionals can also evaluate your equipment and make recommendations based on its age, function, and efficiency. Consider maintenance as a prevention strategy for your HVAC system.
Make Sure Your HVAC System is Cold-Weather Ready
A few extra steps to maintain your HVAC system goes a long way toward keeping your equipment running through Portland’s fall and winter months.
From testing your heating system to changing your air filters and scheduling a professional tune-up, these steps can help prevent future problems and promote cleaner indoor air quality.
Need help prepping your system for the fall? Contact PNW ProClean today to schedule your professional HVAC maintenance and keep your home comfortable all season long.
