KC Fall HVAC & Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

August 23, 2023

With fall here and cooler temperatures on the way, raking leaves, turning back the clock, becoming immersed in back-to-school activities, and swapping summer clothing for cozy fall and winter wear are just some of the tasks you’re about to undertake.

But there’s something you might be overlooking: Your house needs proper fall maintenance to get ready for the winter in Kansas City, as well. Doing maintenance now means that your home will be snugly winterized so that you can brave chilly temperatures comfortably – and less expensively – than you otherwise might.

Kansas City Fall HVAC Maintenance & Plumbing Maintenance Checklist

• Check for those leaks: Electrical outlets, windows, and anywhere that has recessed lighting can have your leaks, as can window and door frames. An easy way to check for leaks is to walk around your home with a lit candle when it’s windy outside. Block those leaks with caulk, or replace old windows with new energy-efficient ones. Your house probably has some exterior cracks that let air in, too. If you find cracks in brick, masonry sealer will take care of them. Weather resistant caulk should suffice in other areas. (In addition to making your home more energy-efficient for the winter, sealing cracks also discourages insects and other critters from coming into your nice, warm home.)

• Don’t forget your HVAC ductwork: Even if your HVAC system is relatively new, your ductwork can still have leaks. Leaks can cause higher energy bills, bad air quality, and a drafty, chilly home. Hire a professional to inspect your ductwork, find leaks and fix them now, before cold weather sets in. You’ll save money on utility bills, and you’ll be much more comfortable.

• Winterize your air conditioner: It’s easy to forget that your air conditioner needs winterizing, since you won’t be using it until next year. But doing so can save you time and money:

• Turn it off: When the last hot day has passed, turn your air conditioner off. This will protect the unit during winter because it won’t turn on accidentally and allow water to get into the unit. (You’ll need to do this to perform winterizing maintenance anyway, to avoid the risk of electric shock.)

• Wash it off: Hose off the exterior of your air conditioning unit to wash away dirt, then carefully remove leaves, twigs, and other refuse from the outside of the unit. Allow it to air dry.

• Cover it up: Once you’re sure your air conditioning unit is completely dry, cover the compressor up securely with a tarp. There should be no way for air, water, or debris to get under the tarp. Secure the tarp with bungee cords so that it can’t be blown off.

• Check on it: Every so often this winter, check on your air conditioning unit to make sure the tarp is still secure and that debris, water, ice or snow haven’t gotten under it. Remove any snow or ice from the tarp periodically as well, since the snow or ice’s weight can damage your air conditioner over time.

• Turn HVAC fall maintenance and winterization needs over to the professionals: Hamilton Plumbing Heating A/C Rooter provides the professional services you need to get your house ready for the winter so that you don’t have to.

Our professional technicians have been serving the Kansas City area for more than 30 years. Contact us at (913) 227-4943 to schedule an appointment today!