Those of you who aren’t big fans of the heat are surely relieved when the seasons start to change. As the weather cools down, you probably won’t be using your air conditioning as often as before, and that’s a good thing. But the changing weather patterns will require a more proactive approach to maintenance. If you’re not anticipating the cold nights that are soon to come, you’ll likely find yourself wasting energy and money on utilities.
Luckily, we don’t have to worry about snow and ice in Southern California. This makes our lives a lot easier as homeowners, but there’s still plenty to do in preparation for winter. Below we have outlined some of the essential home maintenance tasks to put on your agenda this fall. Whether it’s for a property you own or a business you manage, the HVAC experts of Desert Air Conditioning, Inc, are here to help with the upkeep. We are your air conditioning installation contractor in Palm Desert.
Efficient Air Conditioning System
If your A.C has officially made it through the end of summer, that’s a big win. But when the hot temperatures linger into the fall season, your A.C is likely working harder than it should. This is a good time to walk through the house and assess. Does the temperature on the thermostat feel accurate? Are some rooms not getting as cold as you’d like them to?
Checking The HVAC Filters
If the temperature is fluctuating throughout the building, that can be an indicator that your filters need to be changed. Checking and changing your filters is pretty simple, but you don’t want to put it off. Those filters are what keeps your A.C running efficiently, so neglecting them can not only wear out the system but also make your energy bills far more expensive. It’s recommended that you check them once a month, so if you haven’t done it in a while, now is the time.
Checking For Air Leaks
Temperature issues in the home can also be a result of air leaks or bad insulation. We highly advise walking around your home or building to ensure that isn’t happening for you. Try running your hand around the perimeter of all entrances, especially doors and windows. If you notice a draft, that’s an issue you probably want to address sooner than later. Another way to do this is to use a piece of paper—if it moves throughout the day, there’s a good chance you have an air leak.
Cleaning Your Air Ducts
The ducts and vents are a vital part of the heating and cooling system. If they aren’t working properly, everything else is thrown off. To ensure the effectiveness and long-term efficiency of your home’s heating and A.C system, you should keep a regular cleaning and maintenance routine.
This time of year is great for performing these types of tasks. We advise walking through your home and checking every register to ensure that it’s open and free of any blockages such as furniture. From there, it’s pretty easy to remove dust and dirt with a wet towel or vacuum cleaner hose.
Cleaning Around Your Outdoor A.C Units
This is another task you should be doing regularly to ensure that your outdoor fixtures aren’t getting too much dirt buildup or weather damage. Be sure to clear away any debris, and trim hedges or trees that have grown too close. Once you have cleaned the area, inspect the unit itself and give us a call if you suspect any debris has fallen inside.
HVAC Preparation For Colder Temperatures
You don’t want to be caught off guard with a broken heating system when the temperature drops. Older systems are much more susceptible to this, so fall is a perfect time to do a check-up and ensure that you’re ready for winter. You could do this yourself, but it’s generally a better idea to have a professional contractor stop by to do a check-up. This is our area of expertise. So if you have any questions or concerns, give the trusted heating and air conditioning contractors of Palm desert a call.
When To Replace Your A.C
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends replacing A.C and heater pumps if they’re older than 12 years. For furnaces and boilers, it’s 15 years. That is simply because those older models aren’t nearly as energy-efficient as the newer ones. It’s always smarter in the long-run to conserve money and resources by making the switch. If you’re thinking about getting a new heating system, we can certainly help you out with that process.
Upgrade Your HVAC Thermostat
Whether you’re looking for the latest home technology or experiencing an issue, a thermostat upgrade might be the perfect solution. A new programmable thermostat can not only save you time and effort, but it can also save you quite a bit of money on your utility bills, especially during this time of year as the weather starts changing.
Lately, smart thermostats have been the most popular choice, particularly those that are compatible with home automation systems such as the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, or Google Home. When you get a home automation system, you can connect it to a smart thermostat to program the A.C or heater easily with voice control, change it remotely with an app on your smartphone, or automate the daily settings based on time or weather. This will take a lot of the stress out of adjusting to the new season.
Air Conditioning Contractor In Palm Desert
If any of the above sounds a bit out of your knowledge range, schedule an appointment with us and we can help with any routine maintenance and check-ups. At Desert Air Conditioning, Inc, our skilled team of factory-trained professionals is here to help you with all your air conditioning needs. Since 1954 we have earned a reputation for meeting all of our client’s needs. When you need us most, we’ll be there. Check out our services listed in the menu above to see what we offer or give us a call anytime.