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As summer winds down, your HVAC system deserves more than a pat on the back. It’s been working hard for months, keeping your space bearable through triple digits and sticky nights. Before cooler weather rolls in, a little attention can help it finish the season strong and prepare it for next fall.
Clear Out Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit
As summer comes to an end, it’s easy to forget about your outdoor condenser unit, but it still requires attention. Grass clippings from mowing may be stuck to the fins. Weeds can grow up around the base. And leaves often drift in, collecting along the bottom edge and inside the side vents of the condenser cabinet. All of this can block airflow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
Take a slow walk around the unit and look for anything touching it or growing too close. Trim back any bushes, weeds, or tree branches to maintain at least three feet of clearance on all sides. This helps your system pull in enough air to cool effectively.
If the vents look dusty or caked with dirt, it’s time to rinse them. Turn off the power to the unit first, then use a garden hose with gentle pressure and a soft brush. Always spray downward to avoid forcing water into the interior of the system. A little care now helps keep your system running smoothly into the next season.
Clean Your Return and Supply Vents
It’s easy to overlook your return and supply vents during the cooling season. However, after months of regular use, supply registers can accumulate dust around the edges, and return grilles often tend to trap pet hair and airborne debris. When vents become blocked or dirty, your cooling system must work harder to circulate air, which can impact both your comfort and monthly utility bills.
Take a few minutes to walk through your home with a vacuum hose. Gently run it along the slats of every vent you can reach. If buildup doesn’t come off easily, remove the grille and rinse it in the sink with warm water and mild soap.
Check Your Thermostat Schedule Against Your New Routine
When you first set your cooling schedule, your daily rhythm probably looked different. Maybe you were home more often. Maybe the kids were on break. That mismatch can lead to wasted energy or uncomfortable temperatures when you least expect it.
Take a few minutes to open the thermostat menu. Look at the programmed settings for weekdays and weekends. If your wake-up time, work hours, or sleep schedule has changed, adjust the temperature blocks to match. A system that runs when no one’s home wastes energy and causes unnecessary wear and tear that can shorten its lifespan.
Pay Attention to Unusual Noises or Smells
Late in the season, your HVAC system may begin to show signs of wear. You might notice a clicking sound or catch a faint burnt smell that lingers after startup. After a summer of heavy use, these small warning signs often begin to surface.
Take a moment to listen during a full cooling cycle. Pay close attention to the sounds coming from the vents, the outdoor unit, and your ductwork. If anything seems unfamiliar, louder, or more repetitive than usual, make a note. The same goes for smells. A dusty odor at startup or a faint chemical scent that fades slowly could point to a problem.
If something doesn’t sound or smell right, it’s a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician. Catching issues early can help you avoid breakdowns or costly repairs later in the season.
Test for Weak Airflow
As summer winds down, subtle airflow issues can become easier to spot. Partially clogged filters, blocked return vents, or sagging ductwork might have gone unnoticed during peak heat if your system compensated by running longer cycles.
Take a walk through your home and pause at each supply vent. Pay attention to how strong the air feels, not just its temperature. If a room feels stuffy or the airflow is weak, something may be restricting circulation. It could be furniture blocking a vent, a grille that was accidentally shut, or a more concerning issue, such as duct leakage or blower wear.
Rather than waiting until heating season to address it, take action now. Catching uneven airflow early allows you to schedule a professional inspection before your system has to keep up with the demands of the winter season.
Look for Condensation and Moisture Issues
Humidity hits hardest during summer, but its effects can stretch into fall. A clogged drain line can cause water to back up into your system and leak into your home’s interior. That excess moisture creates ideal conditions for mold, rust, and bacteria in hidden areas of your HVAC unit.
Use a flashlight to inspect the base of the unit. Look for rust stains, wet flooring, or mildew spots. Run your hand along the drain line to check for leaks, and confirm it’s dripping outside when the system is on. If anything seems out of place, one of our HVAC technicians can diagnose the problem and suggest a solution.
Seal Drafts Before Winter
When summer winds down, heat gain becomes less of a concern. However, fall is the perfect time to get ahead of winter energy loss. If your home leaks cool air now, it will leak warm air once temperatures drop. Inspect common trouble spots like windows, doors, and attic hatches for signs of air leaks.
Walk from room to room on a breezy day and run your hand along the base and edges of exterior doors to feel for drafts. If you detect airflow, install or replace weatherstripping or add a door sweep. Around windows, look for cracked caulk, loose trim, or rattling panes. These are signs it’s time to reseal. Don’t forget lesser-checked areas like fireplace dampers or pull-down attic stairs. Sealing these areas now can prevent heat loss when the weather turns frigid.
Adjust Ceiling Fans for Seasonal Efficiency
Ceiling fans are not just useful in summer. They can also improve comfort and airflow during the cooler months. Most ceiling fans include a small switch near the motor housing that allows you to change the direction of blade rotation. In the summer, blades should spin counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In the fall and winter, switch them to clockwise at a low speed to circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling.
Fans are especially effective in rooms with high ceilings or open layouts. Even using ceiling fans for a few hours a day can help distribute warm air more evenly, reduce strain on your heating system, and create a more balanced indoor environment.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
At Evergreen Heating & Air LLC, we have been serving the residents of Statesville, NC for over 25 years. In addition to helping you address late summer air conditioner issues, you can count on us to get your heating system ready for winter. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
(704) 449-3454