We’re lucky in Vancouver not to get regularly covered in snow the way other places in Canada do in the later months of the year.
But that doesn’t mean with summer ending; we’re not going to see a change in the seasons. And when that happens, there are a few things you may want to do to get your furnace and cooling systems ready for autumn and then winter.
Making Exterior Preparations
Most homes these days have centralized air conditioning, meaning that there’s a unit somewhere near the home known as a condenser. The condenser’s job is to pull in air, cool it, and then pump that cooled air into the furnace, where the furnace fan can then distribute it throughout the home.
Because of this function, the condenser is built like a grate, with large spaces designed to admit the air that the fan pulls in. However, this means that in the autumn season, when leaves start to fall, those leaves can accumulate inside the condenser.
That can eventually impact the performance of the unit, so you don’t want too many leaves getting in. One big mistake that many homeowners make to avoid this is buying a condenser “sheath” or cover from a store that will wrap around the entire condenser.
They then just leave it there for the entire season, once they know the air conditioner will no longer be in use for a few months. This can hurt your condenser performance, as it causes a buildup of moisture inside. Instead of covering the unit entirely, just shield the top during the autumn season. Once the leaves are gone, leave the condenser exposed, it’s designed to endure the winter season.
Getting Your Interior Ready
An integrated HVAC system makes use of your furnace throughout the year. Cool air from the condenser still requires the fan in your furnace to spread that air around a home.
For the furnace, this means that there needs to be a filter inside to do the job of keeping that air clean. Now, with another change in season, it’s a good idea to swap that filter out for a new one.
If you have a humidifier in your home to keep the air from getting dry and itchy during the autumn and winter months, you might need to do some upkeep here as well.
Humidifiers also have their own filters that need replacement. They may also need a cleaning to get rid of hard water build-up or scales from the use in the previous year.
Bring In Some Pros
For the ultimate in home care, it’s never a bad idea to get some expert help. Qualified technicians that know the ins and outs of HVAC systems can inspect all your components to make sure they’re in good shape.
They can also do some extensive maintenance of their own, like cleaning out your ventilation ducts to make sure they are clear of dirt, unobstructed, and operating efficiently.
If you’re getting a bit of professional help, make sure it’s the right choice. Do your research for companies working in the Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Ensure that they are licensed, qualified and have good reputations, the way Lambert Plumbing & Heating does, and you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing experienced professionals are on the case.
