Seasonal HVAC Maintenance Checklist: Getting Your System Ready for Georgia’s Year-Round Climate

Georgia’s weather presents unique challenges for your HVAC system year-round. From the hot, humid summers to the cooler, unpredictable winter days, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

At Air Systems Sales & Service, we specialize in providing top-notch HVAC services to homeowners and businesses throughout Georgia, including areas like Conyers, Lithonia, and Covington. We’ll walk you through a seasonal HVAC maintenance checklist that’s designed for Georgia’s diverse weather. Keeping up with routine maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is always prepared to handle Georgia’s climate.

1. Test Your Thermostat Before the Seasons Change

It’s crucial to make sure your thermostat is in good working order to keep your home comfortable no matter the temperature outside. A properly calibrated thermostat helps your HVAC system adjust to whatever the weather brings.

What to do instead: Before the intense heat of summer, take the time to test your thermostat. Ensure it’s regulating the temperature as expected. If you want more flexibility, upgrading to a smart thermostat can be a great option, which can be programmed for different temperature settings throughout the day and night, and you can even adjust your home’s temperature remotely.

Why it’s important: A properly functioning thermostat ensures your system runs efficiently, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. This helps lower your energy bills and reduces the strain on your HVAC system, allowing it to last longer.

2. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly

Georgia’s allergy season, especially during spring, can create a lot of pollen and dust in the air, which ends up in your HVAC system. A clogged air filter reduces the airflow and efficiency of your system, leading to higher energy bills and poor indoor air quality.

What to do instead: Check and replace your air filter every 1-2 months, especially during pollen-heavy seasons. If you live near wooded areas or have pets, consider investing in a high-efficiency filter. These filters capture smaller particles, which is particularly helpful for improving air quality and reducing the strain on your system.

Why it’s important: Regularly replacing your air filter helps maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency and improves indoor air quality. Clean air filters ensure your system doesn’t have to work overtime, which can help save on energy costs, especially during the hot, humid Georgia summers.

3. Inspect and Seal Your Ductwork

Leaky ducts are a common problem, especially in older homes or homes with ducts in poorly insulated spaces like attics or crawl spaces. Leaks can cause conditioned air to escape, resulting in an inefficient system that wastes energy and struggles to maintain consistent temperatures inside your home.

What to do instead: Inspect your ductwork for any visible damage, such as cracks or loose connections. If you find any issues, seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant. In homes with ducts in unconditioned areas, like attics or crawl spaces, consider adding insulation to further improve efficiency.

Why it’s important: Sealing ducts prevents air from escaping, ensuring that the conditioned air reaches the rooms you want to heat or cool. This helps your HVAC system work more efficiently, saving you money and improving comfort. During Georgia’s long, hot summers, a well-sealed system can make a big difference.

4. Clean the Coils and Fins of Your AC Unit

Georgia’s hot, humid summers can cause your air conditioning system to work overtime, and debris like dirt, leaves, and twigs can quickly clog the coils and fins of your outdoor unit. When this happens, your system has to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption and the potential for system failure.

What to do instead: Make sure to clean the coils and fins of your AC unit regularly, especially after storms or during the peak of summer. You can clean around your outdoor unit to remove any debris or schedule a professional maintenance check. A technician can thoroughly clean the coils to ensure proper airflow.

Why it’s important: Keeping your AC unit clean helps it run more efficiently and reduces wear and tear. In Georgia, where the summer heat is intense and constant, a clean system can help keep your energy costs down while extending the lifespan of your unit.

5. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Free from Obstructions

Outdoor HVAC units are exposed to the elements, and debris like leaves, twigs, and branches can accumulate around them, obstructing airflow. This is especially common in areas with lots of trees, such as rural or suburban Georgia neighborhoods.

What to do instead: Regularly clear debris from around your outdoor HVAC unit, ensuring there is at least 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow. After storms, check for any fallen branches or leaves and clear them away. If your unit is near overhanging trees, trimming branches can prevent future buildup.

Why it’s important: Proper airflow is crucial for your HVAC system to function efficiently. A clear outdoor unit ensures that your system runs smoothly and doesn’t overheat, preventing breakdowns and helping keep your energy bills in check.

6. Check Refrigerant Levels

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to cool the air, and low refrigerant levels can make it difficult for your system to properly cool your home. During the hot summer months, this can be problematic as the system works overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature.

What to do instead: Schedule regular maintenance with a professional technician to check refrigerant levels. If the levels are low, they can identify any leaks, repair them, and recharge the refrigerant to ensure your system operates efficiently. Low refrigerant not only affects cooling performance but can also cause significant damage to your system.

Why it’s important: Low refrigerant levels can cause your system to overheat and break down. Keeping your refrigerant levels in check ensures that your AC system can run efficiently, which is crucial during sweltering summers when cooling needs are at their peak.

7. Test Your HVAC System’s Performance

Before the weather changes, it’s a good idea to test your HVAC system to make sure everything is working as it should. Testing your system ensures seasonally you’re ready for whatever temperatures come your way.

What to do instead: Run both the heating and cooling functions of your system to ensure they’re working properly. Check for any inconsistencies in temperature or strange noises. Look and listen for issues that might indicate a malfunction. If you notice any problems, book a service call to address them and prevent your HVAC system from breaking down.

Why it’s important: Testing your system seasonally can avoid surprises when the weather shifts, especially in Georgia where temperatures can fluctuate quickly. Regularly testing your system also gives you a chance to address small issues before they become major problems.

Stay Comfortable Year-Round with Proper HVAC Maintenance

Whether you’re bracing for Georgia’s humid summers or preparing for a sudden winter chill, your HVAC system plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable. Regular maintenance, such as testing your thermostat, cleaning coils, and replacing air filters, will help your system run efficiently throughout the year.

By staying on top of routine HVAC maintenance, you ensure that your system is ready for whatever the weather brings. Not only does this extend the lifespan of your system, but it also keeps your energy bills down and improves your home’s comfort level. So, take care of your HVAC system now to prevent future issues and keep your home at the perfect temperature no matter the season.