Fall Maintenance: Gutters and HVAC

While people around the country are enjoying the beginning of autumn, Philadelphia residents have been noticing leaves changing colors and falling for over a month now. This time of year is beautiful around Pennsylvania. The mountains are shades of gold and red, and the yards of Philly are filled with fallen leaves for children to make piles out of.

Of course, with the cooler weather comes fall maintenance. Perhaps the biggest nuisance of the season is the fact that gutters need to be cleaned out more and more. But when you are doing your next gutter cleaning, you can use the time to do maintenance on the higher-up aspects of your HVAC system and call a contractor from ServiceWhale to do a full inspection.

When to Clean Your Gutters

A clogged gutter system is more than just an aggravation. It can keep rainwater from being channeled to a safe place. This can spell disaster for your landscaping, exterior paint and even your home’s foundation. The best way to keep your home safe this season, then, is to keep the gutters clear of leaves, twigs and other debris.

It is recommended you do a thorough cleaning of your gutters twice a year. However, if you have a lot of high trees in your yard, you may need to clear them out more often. If you notice water coming over your roof instead of flowing through your system, it may be time to break out the ladder.

How to Clean the Gutters

The most obvious starting point of a gutter cleaning are the u-shaped components that actually catch the water. Make sure all debris is cleared out from there. This should be done anytime you notice leaves piling up.

For clogs elsewhere, you will need to do a little more work. Use a plumbing snake or even just a stick to clear out elbows and other joints. If there is a clog you can’t reach, disassemble the joint to clear it out.

The downspout will contain a cage to catch falling debris. This is often the most common culprit if you have clogged gutters. Remove the downspout and clear any obvious blockages. Then take out the cage and clean it. If it is bent or broken, you will want to replace it. After reassembling everything, run water through the system to make sure it is clear. If water is not coming out of the downspout, check again for blockages.

While You’re Up There

If you have an AC unit or other HVAC components upstairs, now is the perfect time to inspect them. Check the vents and clean out any dust and debris. You can also check upstairs air filters and replace them as needed. These simple DIY tasks will go a long way toward increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Of course, all the cleaning and fall maintenance in the world won’t matter if the unit itself is not working properly. ServiceWhale makes it easy to find an HVAC contractor who can repair or even replace your system. It all starts with getting free, no-hassle quotes from the best contractors in the Philadelphia area.