Just like any critical piece of equipment, your heating and cooling systems require regular HVAC maintenance to keep them running properly. Home and business owners should stay on top of maintenance tasks year-round to improve system performance and efficiency.

Do not know exactly what to do as far as HVAC maintenance goes? We at Tower have put together a guide for October that details the exact steps you should take throughout the month to keep your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or other HVAC equipment operating smoothly. Continue reading for our October Maintenance Guide.

October Maintenance Guide 

• Change your air filter. If you have a disposable filter, remove the old one and insert a clean replacement. If your filter is reusable, wash it according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow it to dry entirely before re-inserting it into the filter compartment.
• Inspect all registers and return air grilles in your home to ensure they have not been blocked or shut. These vents should never be blocked, as doing so will restrict airflow through your HVAC systems, which could create performance issues and system overheating. Move all carpets and rugs, furniture, and other items away from vents. Check to see that vent louvers are open; if you wish to shut off heating to unused areas of your home or building, never close more than 20 percent of the structure’s HVAC vents. If you have many unused areas, consider investing in a zoning system which will allow you to reduce energy waste while facilitating proper HVAC system performance – work with a trusted HVAC contractor to design and install zoning solutions for your home or business.
• In many areas of the country, temperatures may dip low enough this month to warrant the use of the heating system. Before this point, fire up your heating system for a test run. Doing so will allow you to make sure it comes on and works properly. If it doesn’t, you’ll have the opportunity to have repairs made before cold weather hits – HVAC contractors may be overwhelmed with repair work at the beginning of heating season, as home and business owners who didn’t take their heating systems for a test run are calling for emergency repairs.
•  Keep the area surrounding your heating equipment clear. Never store items directly by the furnace, especially flammable or combustible material such as rags, wood, gasoline, paint, solvent, and cleaners.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly throughout heating season. Replace batteries now, and test them each month, using the unit’s TEST button. Vacuum away any dust which has accumulated on the detectors.

 

Have a question about how your HVAC system works? Contact Tower Equipments Professionals at:

1320 West Broad Street                                       92 Weston Street, Unit 31
Stratford, CT 06615                                               Hartford, CT 06120
(203) 375-4420                                                        (860) 724-3138
Fax: (203) 378-7635                                               Fax: (860) 724-0821