Changing Your Air Conditioning Habits for the Fall

Changing Your Air Conditioning Habits for the Fall

Even though the summer is over, that doesn’t mean that you are ready to retire your air conditioning device and start using the furnace.

In fact, in a large part of the country, the AC is still more needed than the furnace, especially during the day.

That being said, the way you will use your AC during the fall is not going to be the same as in the heat of the summer.

Experts at Hughes Air Conditioning & Heating Repair share some of their professional opinions about AC usage during fall.

Turn On When Necessary

The first thing to remember is that the heat of the summer has subsided, so it won’t be hot all of the time and you won’t need to use the AC all of the time.

You may encounter cooler days when you won’t need the AC at all, and then there are others when the AC will save you from the heat of the midday.

However, it is unlikely that you will need to use your AC in the morning or evening, which means that you will be able to save some money on your electricity bill, and that is always a welcome change.

Change Your Air Filter

The air filter in your AC is typically only meant to last a month or so (you should check your manufacturer’s guide for exact details).

That means that you will have to change the air filter if you plan to use your AC well into the fall. Not only will it sent cleaner air into your home, but you will also use less electricity and put less strain on the parts when the air filter is clean.

Schedule a Regular Maintenance

Having your AC inspected each year is one of the key things you can do in order to ensure the longevity and functionality of your AC.

However, the summer is not an ideal time to schedule the maintenance, as you will likely be using your AC around the clock. Winter is no good either, as you will largely be preoccupied with your furnace and the heating system.

However, the fall is the perfect season for this kind of work. You will still remember any problems you may have spotted during the heavy usage in the summer, and you can actually go by without using the AC or the furnace for a day while it is being inspected.

Oh, and chances are that the air conditioning service will have technicians available as soon as you need them, so you won’t have to wait your turn like you would in the peak season.

Do a Thorough Cleaning of the System

Performing maintenance is not the only thing you can do for your AC system while it is in a low-key operation mode in the fall.

For instance, you could clean the ducts of your system to ensure that there is no dust buildup and especially be careful of the mold.

Mold can form in the ducts because they create a perfect environment for it – dark and sometimes damp. And the fact that it is typically out of sight only helps the mold grow.

Prepare Your Humidifier

During the summer, you might not need to use a humidifier which usually comes inbuilt in your AC. The air is typically humid enough. However, as winter is approaching, the air will get drier and that can affect your skin and your respiratory system, so you might want to clean and prepare the humidifier for the upcoming season.

Whether you like it or not, the ACs have become a staple of our lives and even in the off-season such as the fall, we still might want to use it, albeit a bit differently than in the summer.