When you live in Illinois, you can expect the weather to vary drastically throughout the year. For example, you might experience long periods of cold and snowy weather during the winter months. During the summer, you might have to put up with heat and humidity, while the spring and fall months can be either mild and dry or chilly and wet. Therefore, it’s important that your HVAC system is capable of dealing with these challenges.
HVAC Tips for the Winter Season
During the winter months, you’ll likely rely mostly on your furnace to ensure that hot air circulates throughout your house. Therefore, it’s imperative to have it inspected and cleaned at some point before the first cold snap of the season. You should also have the thermostat inspected to ensure that the furnace can come on whenever necessary.
As part of a thermostat inspection, ensure the batteries are in good shape. In some cases, a bad battery could cause the thermostat to enter recovery mode or otherwise prevent the signal from being sent to your furnace to start running. A poorly functioning thermostat may also cause your furnace to run too long, which can increase your heating bills and reduce the useful life of this component.
If you have a heat pump, be sure it is free of snow and ice if yours doesn’t have a defroster or a similar feature. You should also make sure that it hasn’t been struck by a tree branch or other debris and that it is free of pests or any other type of damage.
You’ll also want to make sure that wires or other electrical connections are in good condition. If you notice any frayed or chewed connections, you’ll need to have those repaired or replaced quickly to avoid a fire or other serious consequences.
Finally, you should check to ensure that ducts and vents are clean. Otherwise, you may notice that certain parts of the house aren’t getting as warm as needed. This is typically because air doesn’t have enough room to get all the way through the duct system, or it may be slipping through gaps between damaged or sagging ducts.
Spring HVAC Tips
The spring season is the first time of the year when the weather may become warm enough to use your air conditioner. Typically, temperatures become warm enough for semiregular or regular use during late April, May, or the first couple weeks of June. Of course, it’s possible that you’ll experience a random warm spell during which temperatures could easily get into the 70s or 80s during the day and fail to retreat much at night.
Therefore, you’ll want to have the air conditioner inspected during the early spring months to ensure it’s ready to go when needed. Even if you don’t think that you’ll need it yet, it’s often easier and less expensive to do an inspection weeks before the first heat wave arrives. This is because there won’t be a lot of competition for parts or labor, which can drive up prices and reduce the availability of parts.
You’ll also want to have the furnace cleaned and inspected, as it has been heavily used in the winter. When you’re ready to turn it off, you’ll know that it is in good shape and will easily turn on again when you need it several months from now. If you’re not done with it, knowing it is working properly can give you the peace of mind that your home will remain comfortable as the weather transitions.
The spring season may be a good time to have carbon monoxide detectors checked and air filters changed. Checking your carbon monoxide detectors is a good way to prepare for the rest of the year. Meanwhile, changing air filters can make it easier for your home to withstand the extra pollen that plants, trees, and grass will be throwing into the air.
HVAC Tips for the Summer Season
The summer months are when you will rely heavily on your air conditioner, so it’s important to have it inspected at some point during the month of June or July. During an inspection, a technician will ensure that refrigerant levels are sufficient and that fans and other components are not damaged or worn.
If any damage is spotted, it should be taken care of right away, as running a damaged condenser unit could lead to expensive repairs. Signs of a serious issue include a lack of electricity to the unit, fans not running despite a good electrical connection, and odd smells. You may also hear crunching, rattling, or other unusual noises when the unit runs if it is not in pristine condition.
You’ll also want to have ducts and vents inspected again, as you’re more likely to shut the windows when it’s hot and humid outside. Ultimately, it will be harder for poor indoor air to make its way out of your house in a timely manner.
Ensuring that ducts are clean and in good condition may prevent mold or mildew from spreading inside. You may also want to ensure that your attic and basement are properly ventilated to help contaminated indoor air exit your home in favor of cleaner outdoor air.
HVAC Tips for the Fall Season
During the fall season, your air conditioner should be checked again to ensure it is ready for winter. Typically, you don’t have to do much other than make sure that it isn’t damaged or have any obvious issues that need to be taken care of before spring. While you can cover an outdoor condenser unit, failing to do so typically won’t result in serious damage.
You should also have your furnace inspected before turning it back on for the upcoming colder season. Ideally, you’ll have it cleaned if necessary to ensure that it will run at peak efficiency. If your unit is getting closer to the end of its useful life, you might want to have a conversation about possibly replacing it.
You may also want to have ducts and vents checked for blockages or other damage that might keep your home from being as comfortable as possible. It might also be a good idea to have the fireplace and chimney inspected if you have them to further ensure that there aren’t any blockages or gas leaks that might endanger your health and safety.
As with the summer season, the winter season is where you’ll typically keep the windows closed. Therefore, the fall months are a good time to check for any ventilation issues that could exacerbate a gas leak or contribute to poor indoor air quality during what feels like the longest time of the year.
If you need HVAC services, contact Chris Heating & Cooling in West Chicago today! We can help with ductless systems, radiant flooring, and indoor air quality issues. This can help ensure that your home remains in good condition and comfortable throughout the year.
