During the fall, air temperatures and humidity fluctuate significantly in Hampton Roads, VA. High humidity and warm days in early fall often require continued air conditioning use, while temperature drops in late fall, especially at night, can make turning on the heat necessary.
To help you understand how this affects your HVAC system and what you can do to lighten its load, the heating and cooling experts at Extreme Climates share common fall HVAC problems and provide an essential fall maintenance checklist.
Common Fall HVAC Problems in Hampton Roads, VA
As your HVAC system transitions from heavy air conditioning to winter heating, the region’s humid, subtropical climate brings unique challenges.
- Increased System Wear – Wild daily shifts between chilly mornings and warm afternoons make your HVAC cycle between modes, increasing system wear.
- Dust Accumulation – Dust settles inside the heating unit over the summer, which can cause a temporary burning smell and strain the system when first turned on.
- Restricted Airflow – Wind and falling leaves can clog your outdoor condenser or heat pump unit, restricting vital airflow.
- Rust & Corrosion – Coastal breezes deposit residual salt on your outdoor unit, and the cooler air temperature can accelerate rust and electrical corrosion on exposed coils and components.
Essential Fall HVAC Maintenance for Hampton Roads, VA
To prevent seasonal HVAC problems and ensure a smooth transition for your system, Extreme Climates recommends performing the following maintenance tasks every fall.
- Replace Filters – Swap out dirty summer air filters to ensure clean airflow before turning on the heat.
- Test the Heat – Switch your thermostat to heat early in the season for 15-20 minutes to verify it produces warm air before freezing weather arrives.
- Clear the Outdoor Unit – Rake away leaves and twigs, leaving at least two feet of clear space around your outdoor heat pump or condenser.
- Schedule a Tune-Up – Have a professional inspect and clean electrical connections and internal components before heavy winter use.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance in Hampton Roads, VA
While there are things you can do to help your HVAC system make the transition into fall, the only way to truly ensure your system is ready, is to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up. This twice annual inspection and cleaning not only confirms your system is in good working order, but it can lower your utility bills, improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your system, and maintain your warranty coverage.
Extreme Climates offers both bi-annual HVAC maintenance plans and one-time system tune-ups in Yorktown, Williamsburg, Gloucester and throughout Hampton Roads. For a free estimate, contact us online, or call (757) 833-0058 to schedule HVAC maintenance.