Fall excites people for many reasons as they plan to wear warmer clothing, bake fresh pies, and watch sports with friends indoors. However, fall means it's time to ensure your AC system is ready to sit unused for the colder months. Your AC must use more energy in the summer to ensure the house stays cool. Some common problems can arise during this time, such as clogged filters, which hinder the AC from achieving maximum efficiency. At the end of summer, it's best to hire an AC contractor to do maintenance on your system to prepare it for next summer's use. Here are three things you need to know as you prepare your HVAC system for fall and winter.

Dirty Air Filters Mean Inefficient AC Units

Air filters do an excellent job of ensuring only air passes through as they catch particles, debris, and dust. According to Energy Vanguard, on an average hot day, your AC moves 108,000 pounds of air. While dirty filters are never good for your AC, they're often worse during the height of summer. Dirty filters reduce airflow and consequently increase energy usage. Considering that 6% of electricity produced in the US goes to AC, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should consider a professional clean-out service before next summer arrives. Having your filters cleaned at the end of summer is the first step in preparing for the colder months when the AC system will run less.

Summer Makes the AC Work Harder

Summer equals more heat. More heat means more work for the AC. The AC works by transferring the heat inside the house to the outside. During the summer, the inside and outside are hot, and thus the AC must exert more energy to keep the house cool. At the end of a hot summer, you'll want to have professionals ensure your system is running at optimal power levels with no leaks. It's advisable to call an AC contractor to inspect the system before it goes unused whether it's in good condition or not.

Humidity Will Increase in the Summer and Affect Your AC

During summer, the heat and the humidity both increase. High humidity means increased moisture in the air. In these conditions, the AC will work harder to regulate heat in the presence of moisture. If your AC is old, it may have more difficulty. When summer ends, you should work with an AC contractor to set up your AC for maximum efficiency next year. If left unattended, a malfunctioning AC could suffer more damage from sitting unused over the winter. The last thing you need is a hot, humid house during summer due to a malfunctioning AC.

Are all components in your AC system working and clean at the end of summer? You should contact technicians to get your AC system ready for next summer. If you need a professional to inspect your system before shutting it down for the year, call Ryan Brothers Inc for quality HVAC cleaning and maintenance services!