Planning Ahead: Getting Your HVAC System Ready for Fall
Utah is just pulling through one of the hottest stretches of summer we’ve ever seen. So thinking about maintaining your home’s HVAC system and getting it ready for FALL (let alone WINTER!) seems like it should be the last thing on anyone’s mind!
But the first day of autumn is just around the corner and, while it’s still nice enough to get outside and enjoy the end-of-summer weather, it’s also the perfect time to begin to prep your HVAC system for the upcoming fall and winter season.
We’ve put together a VERY SIMPLE DIY checklist of things you can start thinking about today to keep your home comfy and cozy tomorrow.
Things to Check Outside Your Home
Start to clear any growth and debris away from your exterior equipment and air vents. This helps to ensure adequate airflow and helps to prevent damage to the unit or your home.
Check the outside caulk lines and seals on windows and doors. If you notice any cracks or gaps, now is a great time to fill those to keep drafts and cold air out when nastier weather sets in.
Things to Check Inside Your Home
Make sure anything flammable is moved away from your heating system. While it’s a good tip year-round, you’ll want to make sure the area is clear before you actively start using your furnace again.
At this risk of sounding like a broken record…inspect your air filter and replace it if needed! A clean air filter will work to reduce indoor contaminants throughout the winter season, as well as facilitate proper airflow into your home. We have a huge selection of air filters for nearly every system imaginable. Best of all, they ship for FREE and cost less than Amazon, WalMart, Lowes, or Home Depot.
Shop for a New FilterNow is a good time to ensure your registers are clear of obstruction. Move heavy furniture and other items which may be blocking registers. They may also be blocking cold air from your AC and will certainly keep heat from reaching you when the furnace kicks on.
Got a humidifier? Start thinking about it now to get ready for the big switch from AC to heat. You’ll want your humidifier working its best throughout winter to alleviate dry air problems and ensure your home maintains proper humidity levels.
The summer-to-fall transition is also a great time replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. Along with smoke detector batteries, this should be done annually to protect your family from undetected carbon monoxide exposure. The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends that you replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. If you are unsure of the last time they were replaced, check the manufacturing date on the back of the smoke detector. It’s a good time to also test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re all working properly.
Things to Leave to the Pros
There are some tasks best left to the professionals. Heating systems are complex and made up of sensitive equipment which requires maintenance to keep things running efficiently. Between now and fall, make it a priority to schedule professional fall HVAC maintenance. As a trusted HVAC contractor, we will provide essential cleaning, care, and inspection to ensure your heating system can handle the important job of keeping your home comfortable through the cold months. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And scheduling couldn't be easier! Give us a call at 801-444-9220 or use our handy online scheduling system to set up your appointment.
