In Southern Arizona, there’s usually a point every fall when we go from opening the windows at night to suddenly wondering if it’s time to turn on the heat.
Before you flip that thermostat and assume everything is ready for winter, there are a few things worth checking. Your heating system may not work as hard as your air conditioner does during an Arizona summer, but that doesn’t mean it should sit untouched until the first cold night.
Here are five things we recommend doing before you need it.
1. Change your air filter.
We recommend checking your filter every month. A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. Starting heating season with a clean filter is one of the simplest things you can do to help your system operate properly.
2. Check your vents.
Take a quick walk through your home and make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, boxes, or anything else that may have shifted over the summer. Your system needs proper airflow to distribute heat throughout your home.
3. Turn the heat on before you actually need it.
Don’t wait for the first really cold night to discover there’s a problem. Run your heat ahead of time and give the system a chance to cycle. Make sure warm air is coming through the vents and that your home is reaching the temperature set on the thermostat.
4. Pay attention to what you hear and smell.
You know what your home normally sounds like. If the system is making unusual noises, cycling differently, producing persistent unusual odors, or simply doesn’t seem to be heating properly, don’t ignore it. Small changes can be your system’s way of telling you something needs attention.
5. Schedule your seasonal maintenance appointment.
This is the big one. We recommend HVAC maintenance twice a year, regardless of whether your system is new or old. Arizona puts HVAC equipment through a lot, especially after months of heavy summer use. A professional inspection gives us an opportunity to check the system, identify concerns, and make sure it’s ready for the season ahead.
Preventative maintenance isn’t about looking for problems that aren’t there. It’s about catching the things you’d rather know about now than discover when you actually need your heat.
A little preparation before winter can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable and helping you avoid an unexpected HVAC problem during an already busy season.
To schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance or learn more about Victory Refrigeration & Mechanical, visit VictoryRefrigerationPros.com.
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