Fall is just around the corner, and you know what that means – time to switch from cooling to heating mode in your home. But hold on before you crank up that thermostat! Your HVAC system needs some TLC after working hard all summer long.
Just like you wouldn’t take a cross-country road trip without checking your car’s oil and tire pressure, your heating system needs a good once-over before the cold weather hits. Nobody wants to wake up shivering on that first frosty morning because their furnace decided to take an unplanned vacation.
We’ve put together this homeowner’s guide covering the essential steps to get your HVAC system ready for fall. These aren’t complicated tasks – most are simple maintenance items that’ll keep your system running efficiently and help you dodge those middle-of-winter emergency repair calls. Let’s dive in and get your home ready for the cozy season ahead.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filters might not look impressive, but they’re the unsung heroes of your home comfort system. These simple components trap dust, pet hair, pollen, and other particles that would otherwise circulate through your living space and potentially damage your system.
Dirty filters create real problems. When debris builds up, your system struggles to push air through – similar to running with a mask that’s gotten wet and heavy. This doesn’t just mean dustier air in your home; it forces your system to work overtime, driving up energy costs and risking unnecessary wear and tear on expensive components.
Most homeowners should check their filters monthly and replace them every 1-3 months. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you’ll likely need more frequent changes. Basic filters need monthly replacement, while premium pleated versions can last up to three months.
It’s tempting to stretch the life of your filters, but regular replacement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your system’s efficiency and protect your indoor air quality.
Inspect and Clean Air Vents and Ducts
Your HVAC system relies heavily on clear pathways to deliver heated air throughout your home. Think of your vents and ducts as highways – when they’re clogged or blocked, traffic slows to a crawl. Regular maintenance of these air passages makes a real difference in how well your system performs.
Take some time to check each vent in your home. Dust and debris build up naturally over months of use, and a quick cleaning can really improve airflow. Just grab your vacuum’s brush attachment and give each vent a good once-over, then wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Look around your vents too. Sometimes we accidentally block them with furniture or drapes without realizing it. A blocked vent forces your system to work harder than necessary, wasting energy and money.
Watch for warning signs in your ductwork like:
- Rooms that never seem to warm up properly
- Unusual noises coming from the vents
- Dust collecting around vent openings
- Unexplained spikes in your heating bills
If something seems off, or if it’s been years since your last duct cleaning, getting a professional inspection makes good sense. Clean, well-sealed ducts help ensure you’re getting the most from your heating system this fall.
Check and Calibrate Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat does more than just show the temperature – it’s the brain controlling your entire heating system. With fall’s arrival, taking a few minutes to check and update these settings can make a real difference in both comfort and energy costs.
The first step is switching from cooling to heating mode. While this sounds simple, you’ll want to run a quick test to make sure the system responds properly when you adjust the temperature. If something seems off – like delayed heating or temperature swings – you might need a quick calibration or battery change.
During fall and winter, try keeping your home around 68°F when you’re there. Every degree warmer means roughly 3-5% more energy use. You can save quite a bit by lowering the temperature at night or when the house is empty.
If you’re still using an older manual thermostat, now might be the time to think about an upgrade. Today’s programmable and smart models can adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule. Plus, many let you control everything from your phone and track your energy use, making it easier to stay comfortable while keeping costs down.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Look, skipping professional HVAC maintenance before winter is like ignoring strange noises in your car – it might seem fine for a while, but you’re asking for trouble. Your heating system works overtime during cold weather, and it needs a thorough check-up to handle the workload ahead.
When techs perform a fall tune-up, they’re doing more than basic cleaning. They’re testing electrical parts, inspecting heat exchangers for dangerous cracks, cleaning grimy burners, checking refrigerants, and making sure every component works safely. It’s detailed work that takes training and proper tools to do right.
Most folks don’t realize that regular maintenance actually puts money back in their pocket over time. Well-maintained systems last years longer and run way more efficiently than neglected ones. Plus, catching small problems early costs way less than emergency repairs during a cold snap.
Think about it – paying for a tune-up now beats shelling out big bucks for major repairs or early replacement later. Smart homeowners know fall maintenance isn’t really an expense – it’s an investment in staying warm without breaking the bank.
Clean and Clear the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor HVAC unit might not be the prettiest part of your yard, but it sure needs some TLC before the leaves start falling. Years of experience show that a clean, unobstructed unit makes a huge difference in how well your system performs when temperatures drop.
Take a walk outside and look at what’s crowding your unit. Leaves, twigs, overgrown bushes – they all need to go. You want at least two feet of clear space on all sides. It’s basic stuff, but blocked airflow is like asking your system to run a marathon while breathing through a straw.
Got your yard waste bag ready? Good. Here’s what to watch for while you’re cleaning:
- Bent metal fins
- Loose or rattling parts
- Rust spots
- Weird sounds
- Wobbly base
A gentle rinse with your garden hose helps wash away dirt (just cut the power first). But don’t blast it – those fins are pretty delicate. And if something looks off? Better call in a pro before that small problem turns into a bigger headache.
Test the Heating Function
Here’s a pro tip that could save you from a nasty surprise: test your heating system before the cold weather hits. It’s way better to find out about problems while the weather’s still mild than during the first freeze of the season.
When you first kick on the heat, use your senses. Strange banging, squealing, or rumbling sounds aren’t normal and usually mean something’s not right. That dusty smell you might notice at first startup is pretty common – it’s just burning off the summer’s dust collection. But if you catch whiffs of anything electrical or metallic, cut the power and get a pro in there fast.
Take a walk through your house while the heat’s running. Each room should warm up pretty evenly. If you’ve got cold spots or rooms that never seem to get comfortable, you might have duct problems or your system could be showing its age.
Watch how your system performs too. If it’s running non-stop or taking forever to heat things up, that’s a red flag worth checking out. The time to fix these issues is now – not when you’re wrapped in blankets waiting for emergency repairs.
Seal Windows and Doors
Your heating system works overtime when warm air sneaks out through gaps around windows and doors. These sneaky air leaks might not seem like much, but they’re silently driving up your energy bills and making your rooms less comfortable.
Get up close with your windows and door frames – run your hand along the edges to feel for drafts. Most homes have trouble spots around window frames, under exterior doors, and where weatherstripping has worn away over time. Those rattling windows? That’s another sign you’re losing precious heat.
Fixing these issues doesn’t have to break the bank. Fresh caulk and new weatherstripping are cheap fixes that make a real difference. Door sweeps stop those cold floor-level drafts, while some basic window film adds extra insulation for not much money.
Want to go further? Hang some thick curtains over your windows – they’re like a warm blanket for your glass. The point is, blocking those drafts means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cozy. That’s good news for both your comfort and your wallet.
Inspect and Clean the Furnace
Most furnaces sit unused all summer long, gathering dust and grime. Before winter hits, yours needs a good check-up to run safely and efficiently.
Pop off that access panel and you’ll probably find what most homeowners do – a layer of dust that needs cleaning. A quick vacuum job now prevents that burning smell when you first turn on the heat and helps your system run better.
While you’re in there, look over the key parts. Rusty burners? Dirty blower? Worn wiring? These are red flags you can’t ignore. And don’t forget about that flue pipe – it needs to be clear and tight to keep carbon monoxide out of your home.
Speaking of carbon monoxide, now’s the perfect time to check those detectors. Fresh batteries and a quick test could save your life.
Not comfortable poking around your furnace? No shame in that. Better to have a pro look things over than risk a breakdown – or worse – when the cold hits.
Evaluate Insulation Levels
Poor insulation is like leaving your front door wide open all winter – your heating system works harder while your money floats away. Think of insulation as your home’s winter coat, trapping warm air inside where you need it most.
Your attic is the first place to check since heat naturally rises and escapes through the roof. Head up there with a flashlight and look around. Can you see the floor joists? That’s a sure sign you need more insulation. Watch for any spots that look thin, wet, or damaged – these trouble areas need attention before winter hits.
Check those walls too. If they feel cold to the touch or you notice certain rooms staying chilly, you might have insulation gaps. This is pretty common in older homes built before modern efficiency standards kicked in.
Sure, improving your insulation takes some cash upfront. But the comfort boost and lower heating bills make it a smart investment. Better yet, that same insulation keeps helping when summer rolls around, keeping cool air inside where it belongs.
Bottom line? Good insulation means less strain on your heating system and more money staying in your wallet.
Plan for Emergencies
Nobody wants to think about their heating system failing in the dead of winter, but a little preparation now can save you from major headaches later. When temperatures drop below freezing, you’ll be glad you took the time to get ready.
Start by finding a reliable HVAC company before you need one. Ask neighbors for recommendations and save those emergency numbers somewhere obvious – like right on your fridge or in your phone. The best companies offer round-the-clock service, but they get busy fast when cold weather hits.
Keep some backup heating options ready too. A good space heater or two can get you through a tough spot, but make sure you know how to use them safely. Stash some extra furnace filters and warm blankets where you can find them quickly.
But here’s the real key – regular maintenance prevents most emergency calls in the first place. Just like changing your car’s oil prevents engine trouble, keeping up with HVAC maintenance helps avoid those midnight emergency calls. A well-maintained system rarely fails without warning.
Keep Your Home Cozy This Fall with West Des Moines’ Most Trusted HVAC Experts
Getting your HVAC system ready for fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these maintenance steps and partnering with the right professionals, you can ensure your home stays comfortable and efficient all season long.
Since 1947, Holt Plumbing & Heating has been helping West Des Moines families prepare their homes for Iowa’s challenging seasons. Our NATE-certified technicians bring over 75 years of local expertise to every service call, whether it’s a routine maintenance check or a complete system upgrade.
Don’t wait until that first cold snap catches you off guard. Let our family-owned team help protect your family’s comfort. We serve homeowners throughout West Des Moines and the surrounding areas with the same dedication to excellence that’s defined our business for three generations.
Ready to get your HVAC system fall-ready? Let Holt Handle That! Call (515) 209-2360 today to schedule your professional fall maintenance service.
