As temperatures start to dip in the Costa Mesa, CA area, you will want to take some steps to prepare your HVAC system for the fall season. Let’s look at some things you can do on your own and the benefits of calling our team at JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning for professional assistance.

Change Your Furnace Filter

A furnace filter should be changed approximately once every 30 to 90 days. The frequency is also determined by the quality of the air inside your home. If you have pets, allow people to smoke in your home, or live in an area that deals with wildfires or pollution, more frequent filter changes may be beneficial. The type of filter you use and whether you have additional whole-house purification equipment will also make a difference in filter change frequency.

Switch From Heating to Cooling

Change the switch on your thermostat that differentiates between your heating and cooling equipment. Also, check that the fan setting is turned to the “auto” position rather than just remaining on all the time.

Schedule Routine Maintenance and Inspections

We recommend an annual inspection and maintenance visit for your HVAC system at least once a year. Late summer into fall is a great time to schedule this appointment so your heating equipment is ready for the chillier weather. This appointment allows us to check different components of your HVAC system. If we notice anything is worn or damaged, we can perform repairs as needed. This prevents major system shutdowns that can leave you uncomfortable.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

When you first turn on your furnace in the fall, listen for any unusual noises. This can include grinding, squealing, or clanking. These sounds can indicate there is an issue with your furnace that needs to be repaired.

Odd smells are also something worth noting. Keep in mind that you may notice a brief dusty smell when you first turn your furnace on for the year. This smell should go away after a few minutes. It’s caused by particulate accumulation on the interior components of your heating equipment.

Inspect and Clean Your Ductwork

Ductwork can accumulate a lot of particulate matter, diminishing the quality of your indoor air and harming your HVAC system. Having your ductwork cleaned isn’t part of routine HVAC maintenance, but we recommend scheduling it once every few years. We can also inspect your ductwork to ensure there isn’t any damage that could be decreasing the efficiency or effectiveness of your HVAC system.

Service Additional Equipment

Prepare any additional HVAC equipment, including a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, air purification equipment, etc. These units may have filters that need to be changed, drains to clean, or interior components that should be serviced regularly.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already, consider upgrading your thermostat. Many great smart thermostats are available these days that provide convenience while allowing you to save money. You can program your thermostat according to your schedule to minimize unnecessary runtime. Some thermostats can even learn your living habits to make appropriate heating and cooling suggestions. You can control your thermostat from your smart device for convenience and ease of use. Some smart thermostats even allow you to control them with just your voice. You won’t have to get up from your cozy spot on the couch if you need to change your settings.

Winterize Your AC System

It’s unlikely that you’ll require much of your air conditioning equipment during the fall and winter in Costa Mesa. While you don’t need to avoid using your AC entirely, you can use this off-season to schedule any necessary AC repairs or replacements. You can also have your AC equipment inspected. We will check your refrigerant level and electrical connections, clean the inside of your unit, clean out drain lines, and more.

Reach out to JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule professional HVAC service. We also perform indoor air quality assessments, install air purification equipment, and much more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.

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