Dynamic seasons engulf Pennsylvanians in deep natural beauty and an array of adventurous activities available each calendar year.
Enticing as those characteristics may be, the biting winter cold and harsh summer humidity can make you think twice about how “great” having four distinct seasons actually is, especially when your heater dies on a frostbitten winter night or the AC checks out after a summer run. Even if you can endure being physically uncomfortable until the repair crew can fit you in, the costs of an unexpected full-unit repair might be enough to push you over the edge.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right information, you can significantly decrease both your health and financial risk. Follow the simple maintenance and money-saving steps for each season we’ve suggested below, and you can help ensure your HVAC equipment will continue working efficiently long term.
Winter
As we wrap up the current season, there’s no doubt snow and cold, strong winds dominate the Pennsylvania winter. Temperatures are known for reaching below zero, something heating systems just aren’t built to function under.
Tips
For the remainder of the winter, keep this in mind and be careful to account for the cold’s impact on equipment durability. Below are a few tips on saving money and increasing the longevity of life for your heating system this winter.
- Increase area humidityIn the summer this sounds like a nightmare, but for cold winter days a boiling hot pot on the stove can increase a home’s humidity, creating a seemingly warmer environment.
- Pull out the space heaters
- Not only can the correct space heaters help save you in electricity bills, they also emit heat to a direct area. These are perfect for families who have a wide range of heating preferences
- Turn down the heat at night.
- Granted, it’s not worth inciting a marital crisis, but if you can try turning the heater down a few degrees at night, it will work less and save you some funds. In fact, since most people are covered in blankets and comforters at night, the change often goes unnoticed.
- If your heater seems like it’s not working, don’t push it harder
- Turning up the heater further won’t improve its condition. Don’t do it. You’ll end up with a larger bill and harder worked heater, but no improved heat.
Spring
With temperatures generally ranging from 60-80 degrees, springtime is beautiful in our area. It may not be the primary season we worry about our heating and cooling, but it’s wise to approach the spring proactively, taking steps to prepare your home for the inevitable summer soon to follow.
Tips
Making a point to complete the following tasks during the spring season will help your AC stay in prime shape for the summer battle.
-Switch out those dirty filters for new ones
-It’s recommended that you change your filter every 90 days, but if you don’t, make sure you at least make the switch prior to high usage seasons, like summer.
-Cut away bushes and other greenery
-Springtime brings eye-catching blooms. Unfortunately, when branches or shrubs fall into the air conditioning unit, they can get stuck and cause it to not function properly.
-Run it
-It may not be too warm yet, but take your AC for a test run. If it turns out there’s a problem, you’ll have plenty of time to have a professional out to fix it before the busy season, when many people wait weeks.
-Destroy the dirt
-Dried on dirt and other elements from the long winter can decrease the impact of your AC. Make sure this gets cleaned off before the temperature starts to rise.
-Move the condenser cover to storage
–If you use a winter condenser cover or other protections, now is the time to take them off and put them away until next year.
Summer
Sweat. Stick and more sweat. The vitamin D from the sun is appreciated but mid to upper 90s with a full helping of humidity leaves everyone ready to feel the refreshing breeze of the AC when they walk in the door.
Tips
Since your AC must work harder during this season, you should employ a few best practices to keep it in tip-top condition and keep your energy bill at a minimum.
-Keep an extra fan around In case of emergencies
-It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Ideally, you should replace your unit early on if you know it’s on its last leg. However, if finances are an issue or you simply don’t think it’s time, always have extra cooling options on hand in case it does break down on that hottest day of summer.
-Get a dehumidifier
-Humidity feels like heat. A dehumidifier will help reduce that humidity. They’re also useful for preventing mold and eliminating odors.
-Choose your curtains wisely
-The hotter your home, the more your AC must work. That also means the larger your bill. Simple choices, such as blackout curtains, can help you avoid the addition of unwelcomed heat.
Fall
Lush blankets of burgundy, yellow and orange leaves cover the ground, as warm summer temperatures begin to drop and turn into a breeze announcing the Pennsylvania fall season.
Like springtime, fall is not typically a season where your heating or AC is your top priority. However, following steps to ensure machine cleanliness and effectiveness during the fall will provide a healthy heater you can count on to last all winter long and an AC that won’t return with scary surprises next spring.
TIps
Clearing out the leaves from Central AC compressor fan
-Our leaves are iconic, but they can be dangerous for your AC too. When the leaves fall for the season, check your AC and clean out any debris.
-Consider purchasing a condenser cover
-If you don’t currently own a cover, now would be the time to invest. Protect your AC from the potentially harsh winter ahead.
-Have a professional out for a tune up
–Don’t wait until you’re shivering and searching the Internet for last-minute hotel deals after the heater breaks before you pay it some attention. Having a professional out for a tune-up costs far less than a full repair. Think about it like preventative medicine.
Employ these tips and let your AC, heater and lower bills enjoy the changing seasons, too.