As the summer heat gives way to the cooler temperatures of fall, it’s time to start thinking about your HVAC system. Preparing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the upcoming season can ensure it operates efficiently and effectively when you need it most. At Native Air, we understand the importance of maintaining your HVAC system, and we’re here to help you get ready for fall with these essential maintenance tips. 1. Change Your Air Filters One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your HVAC system is by regularly changing your air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and reducing its efficiency. During the fall, it’s a good idea to check and replace your filters monthly, or at least every three months, depending on usage. This not only helps improve indoor air quality but also prolongs the life of your system. 2. Inspect the Heating System Before the cold weather hits, it’s wise to have your heating system inspected by a professional. An HVAC technician can check for any issues, perform necessary repairs, and ensure that your system is operating efficiently. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as strange noises or inconsistent heating, and don’t hesitate to call in an expert if you notice anything unusual. 3. Clean the Vents and Ducts Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your vents and ducts, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency. As part of your fall preparation, take the time to clean your vents and consider scheduling a duct cleaning service. This can help improve airflow, enhance indoor air quality, and reduce allergens in your home. 4. Test Your Thermostat Before you need to rely on your heating system, make sure your thermostat is functioning properly. Test your thermostat to ensure it accurately reflects the temperature in your home and responds correctly to temperature adjustments. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, consider updating your settings to match your fall schedule for optimal energy savings. 5. Check for Leaks and Insulation Issues Inspect your home for drafts around windows and doors, as well as insulation issues in your attic or crawl spaces. Proper insulation helps retain heat, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient during the fall and winter months. If you find any gaps, seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. 6. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it’s always best to schedule a professional maintenance check for your HVAC system. An experienced technician from Native Air can provide a thorough inspection, identify potential issues, and ensure your system is ready for the cold months ahead. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Go to our contact page today to schedule your next heating and cooling maintenance service appointment! 7. Prepare Your Outdoor Unit Don’t forget about your outdoor HVAC unit! Clear away any debris, such as leaves and branches, to ensure proper airflow. If you have a heat pump, make sure it’s free from snow and ice in the winter to maintain efficiency. Covering your outdoor unit with a protective cover can also help shield it from harsh weather conditions. Taking the time to prepare your HVAC system for fall can lead to improved efficiency, better indoor air quality, and peace of mind as the temperatures drop. At Native Air, we’re committed to helping you keep your home comfortable year-round. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a maintenance check, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Let’s make sure your HVAC system is ready to take on the changing seasons.

As a homeowner in Lowell, NC, you rely heavily on your air conditioning unit to keep your home cool and comfortable, especially during the sweltering summer months. At Native Air, we understand that your AC is a significant investment, and you want it to last as long as possible. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can extend the life of your air conditioning unit and ensure it operates efficiently for years to come. 1. Schedule Regular Maintenance One of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit is to schedule regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician. During these maintenance visits, our team at Native Air will thoroughly inspect your system, clean the components, check for any issues, and perform necessary tune-ups. Regular maintenance not only keeps your AC running smoothly but also helps identify potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. 2. Change Your Air Filters Regularly Your air filters play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of your AC unit. Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, forcing your system to work harder to circulate air. This extra strain can lead to premature wear and tear. We recommend checking your air filters monthly and replacing them every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the air quality in your home. 3. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean Your AC's outdoor unit, or condenser, needs proper airflow to function efficiently. Make sure the area around the unit is clear of debris, leaves, and grass clippings. Regularly clean the condenser coils by gently washing them with a garden hose. Be sure to turn off the power to the unit before cleaning. Keeping the outdoor unit clean allows it to dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the strain on the system. 4. Use a Programmable Thermostat Installing a programmable thermostat can help extend the life of your air conditioning unit by reducing unnecessary wear and tear. By setting your thermostat to adjust the temperature while you’re away from home, you can prevent your AC from running constantly and overworking. This not only saves energy but also helps your system last longer. To learn about some of the programmable thermostats we carry and install here at Native Air, check out our thermostat product page today. 5. Seal and Insulate Your Home Proper insulation and sealing of your home can significantly reduce the workload on your AC unit. Make sure your windows, doors, and ductwork are properly sealed to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the frequency and duration of your AC’s operation. 6. Avoid Overworking Your System While it’s tempting to crank up the AC on a hot summer day, constantly running your system at maximum capacity can shorten its lifespan. Try setting your thermostat to a comfortable, yet moderate temperature, and use ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air. Additionally, closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the heat entering your home, allowing your AC to work more efficiently. 7. Address Repairs Promptly If you notice any unusual noises, reduced cooling performance, or higher-than-normal energy bills, it’s important to address these issues promptly. Ignoring minor problems can lead to major breakdowns and costly repairs. At Native Air, we recommend calling our team as soon as you notice any signs of trouble, so we can diagnose and fix the issue before it causes further damage to your system. 8. Upgrade When Necessary Finally, while proper maintenance can extend the life of your AC unit, there comes a time when upgrading to a newer, more efficient model is the best option. If your system is more than 10-15 years old and requires frequent repairs, investing in a new unit could save you money in the long run. Newer models are more energy-efficient, which can reduce your utility bills and provide better cooling performance. Extending the life of your air conditioning unit in Lowell, NC is all about regular maintenance, smart usage, and timely repairs. At Native Air, we’re here to help you keep your AC running smoothly year after year. If you have any questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long!