Updated: December 19, 2022
Holiday season is just around the corner and as you welcome guests into your home you want them to feel refreshed and at ease. What more would be the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the coming holidays and when talking about air conditioning repair services, who else to seek other than your neighbourhood mechanics, Home Mechanics! All the work that we do in your home, it goes above and beyond the call of duty. We promise you a risk-free, and professional service.
Nobody wants their home filled with filthy air conditioner odors. This also results in air that irritates those with allergies. So get your HVAC systems and air conditioners checked before the holiday season arrives and your guests start showing up.
Here's a comprehensive checklist of HVAC and air conditioning maintenance to make your job easier.
Get your air filters cleaned
The prominent part of efficient air conditioning services involve cleaning the air filters. They may seem like insignificant components of the HVAC system but they are the most crucial, in reality, for an HVAC system to success. Air filters are what remove dust, dander, and other airborne contaminants from the air that is re-entering your room from the system.
The debris and dirt settle inside air conditioning systems over time, and it will most likely clog the air filters. And when that happens, your air conditioner will have a hard time pushing air past the filter and into the system. The added strain on the air conditioner can reduce air flow and even cause the system to blow hot air instead of cold.
Do not skip the filters when routinely having air conditioning services in Boston, especially because it will be holiday season.
Make use of window coverings
As far as keeping your room warm is concerned, the windows do not do as much good for the room. Covering the windows with curtains or blinds in the evenings and early mornings and opening them when the sun is out to let natural light in can make a significant difference in how well your home is heated.
Set the thermostat to a low setting
A trick that saves your HVAC from working too hard in the holiday season is to set your thermostat to a comfortably low temperature to help keep the room warm. This way, your system won’t have to struggle and turn on and off to get to a warmer temperature. If it's too cold outside, keep yourself warm by wearing warm clothes and keeping blankets handy. That way, you will be less likely to feel the need to turn the heat up. We recommend adding a home automated smart thermostat into your home to create alleviate unwanted strain on your HVAC system.
Clean Vents and Registers
This one does the trick, it improves your airflow like anything. And this is what makes cleaning vents and registers an integral part of HVAC and air conditioning services. You can do it with the help of vacuum cleaner or even a duster, depending on what type of material your cleaning tool is made from. Do check the dirt and debris and do its cleaning as needed.
Run an energy audit to save money
Running an energy audit before heading into the holiday season is a must; it is a sure-shot way to ensure that your system is prepared for this time of the year. It can even help you save big on future repair costs. At Home Mechanics, we inspect and point out how much insulation you have in place and even look for the sources of air leakages if there are any to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.
Install a programmable thermostat
As mentioned above, a programmable thermostat will work wonders for you if you are looking to reduce your energy expenses. Using a programmable thermostat correctly will save homeowners a good amount of money each year. And for the times when you are not home, you can turn it off or turn down the temperature when you are sleeping. All of this is set up to work automatically for you, so your system won't run when it doesn't need to and waste energy.
Get a maintenance check
Get a full maintenance check to make sure that all of the system's parts are working well and not causing any problems. Schedule your appointment for air conditioning services in Boston; Home Mechanics is our go-to service provider for the same. We inspect and ensure that everything in your system is in order and working properly. So we precisely prepare your system for the holidays and keep it running smoothly throughout the seasons.
Check the outdoor unit
Start off on the right note for the upcoming cooler weather. Do a good amount of cleaning up around the outer unit of your air conditioners; it will prevent a number of problems for the coming season.
Check around the house
To get your system ready for the busy holiday season, make sure that your decorations aren't blocking any vents. Doing so would cause uneven airflow, which would make the system work harder than it needs to. As you are checking it, see if the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly. This gives you peace of mind while you are entertaining guests at your home this holiday season.
Why you should have an annual HVAC maintenance plan for your home
Lowers your energy bills
By keeping your units running at their peak performance, you can eliminate higher energy bills. Poorly maintenanced HVAC systems work harder to output the same heating or cooling than a well maintenanced system.
Fewer repair bills
Learning to do the basics of maintenance on your HVAC system can mean fewer trips by licensed HVAC professionals to repair or replace your system.
Avoid surprise emergencies
Nobody wants to have their HVAC system fail on a cold MA night. Being able to rely on your system to keep you warm or cool means keeping your HVAC system in tip top shape every
Increase the operational life of your HVAC system
You may be able to increase the life of your system by a few years or even a decade by completing maintenance every single year. We recommend picking a season of change to be a mental marker, our favourite being the fall. Doing your annual maintenance before the cold sets in ensures you will stay warm throughout the winter and decrease the likelihood of having to pay for a HVAC professional to come out in the middle of the night.
Better Air Quality
Breathe easier, and keep smells away. This is very important for family members with allergens, asthma, or other respiratory requirements.
HVAC Spring/Summer Maintenance Guide:
Replace all filters
Clean out condensers and evaporators
Clear drain lines and clogged pipes to ensure flow is efficient
Replace any worn belts
Remove any standing water from drain pans
Inspect ducts for dust, debris, rodents, or mold
Check refrigerant charge and any leak potential
Check thermostat schedules
Check if the motor fan is operating as per manufacturer's requirements
Inspect blowers and blades to ensure proper airflow
Lubricate moving parts where required
Remove debris from around immediate outdoor area where needed
Check your home's carbon monoxide detector
Fall/Winter Maintenance Guide:
Replace filters every 60 days
Check ignition
Inspect heating elements and heat exchange. If damaged, call a professional immediately
Inspect any flue systems and make sure firmly attached to furnace
Gas furnace: check for leaks (you may require a professional to complete this)
Check gas pressure if possible
Check all wiring and electrical connections
Lubricate any moving parts such as motor or bearings
Check your heat pump where appropriate
Check your home's carbon monoxide detector
Give your local HVAC Experts a Call
If anything goes wrong, know that we are just a phone call away to resolve the problems. Contact Home Mechanics for more information on our HVAC maintenance, air conditioning services and other plumbing needs.