If you are a homeowner who lives in Arizona’s Maricopa County, it is likely that you can become accustomed to the warm weather that is present most of the year here. So, it’s no surprise that as soon as there is even a hint of chill coming on in the fall, you would want to switch on your heater. While this is understandable, the smarter thing to do is to take certain steps to make sure your system is ready to make that yearly switch. Let’s go over the steps you need to take to effectively transition from running your air conditioner to using your heating system.
Understand What Joins and Separates the 2 Modes
Before making the switch, it is important to have an understanding of what joins and separates your cooling from your heating. This way, you can avoid making the mistake of simply flipping a switch and hoping for the best. While both modes may be controlled by the same thermostat, each puts its own unique demands on your system and thus requires its own care.
Cooling
During hot Arizona summers, your HVAC system works often around the clock to keep you comfortable. It does this by pulling the warm air from your home and replacing it with cool, conditioned air. The unique components and micro-systems that make this possible include:
- Refrigerant cycle
- Compressor
- Evaporator coils
- Condenser coils
- Air handler and blowers
- Thermostat regulator
Heating
When heating your home, the process used for cooling reverses. A furnace powered by electricity or gas heats the air. This heated air is then sent through your home’s ductwork to keep you warm in the cold months. The special micro-systems and components your heating system uses include:
- Furnace mechanisms
- A heat exchanger
- The blower motor
- Thermostat signal
While you can see that there is some overlap, there are also clearly some aspects that are unique to each mode. So, just because one mode is working properly, the other is not necessarily going to, since they have their own individual components. The components that are unique to a particular mode have been sitting dormant during the time of year that you use the other one. Also, although the shared components have been used extensively during one season, often without a break, homeowners generally want to jump right back into using the same components for the other mode.
It only makes sense that you would want to have your system checked out before switching from AC to heat or vice versa. That brings us to the importance of having routine professional maintenance before you make the switch.
Routine Maintenance
Likely the most crucial thing you can do when making the switch is to schedule routine maintenance. This ensures that your heating system is working at its maximum reliability and efficiency levels before it is engaged for the season. All the individual components that pertain to your heating system are inspected. These include the heat exchanger, the burners, the igniter, and the wiring. The parts that are shared with your air conditioner are inspected as well. This is important so that any signs of wear and tear can be addressed, as well as any issues that could have taken root while the heating part of your system was dormant. Identifying these issues before they turn into major problems during heavy usage protects your household and prevents you from incurring the cost of a hefty repair.
Since the parts of your heating system can get dirty between seasons of use, your technician will also clean the heat exchanger, burners, and blower motor. This is done using specialized equipment and tools designed to remove contaminants like dust and debris. If left alone to accumulate, these contaminants could hinder the performance of your system. Having your heating system cleaned ahead of operation not only ensures smooth operation, it also reduces energy consumption and improves the quality of your indoor air.
Other tasks you can expect to be performed during a routine maintenance visit include lubrication, calibration, and testing. Your technician will lubricate all the moving parts of your heating system, including the motors, bearings, and belts. The thermostat will be calibrated to verify it is performing properly and giving accurate temperature readings. Testing all parts of your system confirms that they’re all ready to provide you with efficient and safe performance.
Along with making sure your heating and cooling systems are up to par ahead of their heavy usage, routine maintenance provides other benefits. For one, it extends the lifespan of your system. It is also necessary to maintain your warranty. Both of these things save you money, as does the fact that an efficiently running system costs you less on your energy bill.
Prepping Your AC for Switching Over
Along with having your heating system checked and prepped for winter use, you should also take the time to get your air conditioner set to hibernate.
Clearing the Perimeter
First, clear the space around the outside part of your air conditioning system. This means clearing any debris, tools, or anything else so that it is at least a foot away. Pay special attention to anything nearby that could fall on the unit, and place it elsewhere.
Cleaning the Outside of the Unit
Take the time to clean the outside of your unit as best you can. This minimizes the chance of dirt and other detritus causing any damage to your system while it’s dormant. Do this again periodically throughout the season until it is time to put your air conditioner back in action.
Covering Your Outdoor AC Unit
If you are going to take the step of cleaning the outside of your AC, you can minimize how often this needs to be done throughout the season by covering it. A cover will not only keep it cleaner, but it can also protect it from things like ice during the winter. There are many different covers you can find at a hardware store, including waterproof ones. Some owners opt to keep it simple by just using a tarp.
Updating Your Thermostat Settings
After you have taken these steps (along with having your routine maintenance done), your heating system should be all set for the winter. Just remember to set your thermostat for the appropriate winter temperatures and schedule. Upgrading to a smart thermostat can give you greater flexibility, convenience, and versatility in how you control the temperature in your home throughout the year.
Your Heating Professionals
If you are a homeowner who needs help getting your system ready for the seasonal switchover, our team at El Indio AC has you covered. We have been providing the best in heating and cooling services in Tolleson, AZ and throughout Maricopa County for many years. Our technicians also handle duct work and indoor air quality issues.
Give El Indio AC a call today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
