Fall is in the air and you’re probably already dreading those higher utility bills that come with cranking up the heat. But before you resign yourself to choosing between comfort and your wallet this winter, there are a few things you can do to ensure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. Give your unit some attention now and you’ll be enjoying cozy fall nights at home without breaking the bank.

In just a few simple steps, you can make sure your heating and cooling system is ready for the drop in temperatures. Clear out the clutter around your air vents, change the filter, and schedule a tune-up. You’ll maximize the airflow in your home, reduce strain on the system, and catch any minor issues before they turn into big problems. Take an hour or two this weekend to show your HVAC some attention and you’ll be rewarded all season long. Fall doesn’t have to mean choosing between warmth and savings – with some easy maintenance, you can have the best of both worlds.

AC Leaking Water

Change Air Filters for Proper Airflow and Quality

If you want to keep your home cozy and lower those energy bills this fall, changing your HVAC air filters is a must. Clogged, dirty air filters reduce airflow and efficiency, forcing your system to work harder and costing you more.

Do yourself a favor and swap out those old air filters for new ones. It only takes a few minutes but will make a world of difference in how well your furnace or heat pump operates. For the best results, opt for pleated, high-efficiency filters with a MERV rating of 8-12. These provide effective filtration without too much airflow restriction.

While you’re swapping out the air filters, give the vents and air ducts in your home a quick inspection. Make sure furniture, rugs, and other objects are not blocking the vents or airflow. Vacuum or dust the vents and air duct covers to remove any built-up dirt or debris. Ensuring your vents, ducts, and air filters are clean and unobstructed helps maximize your HVAC system's performance and keeps your indoor air fresh.

Changing your air filters and checking the vents is an easy do-it-yourself task that yields big benefits for comfort and efficiency. Keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape this fall and you’ll be cozy, save energy, and breathe easier all season long.

Adjust Thermostat Settings for Cooler Weather

As the autumn chill sets in, it's time to adjust your thermostat for heating mode. Programming your thermostat for the fall season will ensure maximum comfort while minimizing energy usage.

If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to lower temperatures when you're away from home or sleeping. Don't have a programmable thermostat? Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your preferences and schedule to maximize comfort and savings. They're easy to install and many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to a smart thermostat.

Be sure to also check that your thermostat is accurately calibrated by testing the actual temperature in your home with a thermometer to ensure the thermostat matches. If it's off, you may need to have an HVAC technician recalibrate or replace your thermostat.

Taking the time to properly adjust your thermostat for fall will ensure cozy temperatures inside while avoiding excess energy usage. By following these tips, you can stay comfortable all season long without receiving an unpleasant surprise in your heating bill.

Inspect Vents to Ensure Proper Airflow

To keep your HVAC system running efficiently all fall and winter, inspect your air vents and ductwork. Make sure there’s nothing blocking the vents that could restrict airflow in your home.

Check Floor Vents

Move any furniture, rugs, or other items away from floor vents so heated air can flow freely into your rooms. If vents are covered or blocked, it prevents the warm air from circulating properly which wastes energy and money.

Vacuum and Dust Registers

Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust buildup on air vents and registers. For stuck-on debris, use a small brush to gently loosen it before vacuuming. Wipe down the vents with a microfiber duster or cloth to remove any remaining dirt and improve airflow.

Inspect Ductwork

If you have access to your ductwork, check that all ducts are securely connected and sealed properly. Look for any holes, tears, or disconnected ducts that allow heated air to escape into the attic or crawlspace. Seal minor damage with duct tape or have an HVAC technician repair or replace damaged ductwork.

Consider a Duct Cleaning

For the best indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency, consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned. Over time, dust, dirt, mold, and other pollutants can build up inside the ductwork. A professional duct cleaning using specialized equipment can remove these contaminants and improve your system's performance.

Taking the time to inspect and clean your air vents, registers, and ductwork helps ensure your HVAC system distributes heat properly all season long. With good airflow and circulation, your home will stay comfortable while using less energy. If you have any concerns about your HVAC system’s operation or efficiency, contact our HVAC professionals at The AC Guys for an inspection.

Weather proof Your Home to Prevent Heat Loss

To prevent heat loss, it’s important to weatherproof your home. Follow these tips for high-quality weatherproofing:

Check around doors and windows for any drafts and seal them up with caulk, weatherstripping, or insulation.

Inspect the attic and any crawl spaces and add insulation if needed to prevent heat from escaping.

Cover outdoor vents and AC units to protect them from weather damage.

Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that allows you to lower the temperature automatically when you’re away.

If you use ceiling fans to help circulate the air in your home, reverse the direction of the blades so they spin clockwise to push warm air back down into the living space.

For homes where pipes run through unheated areas like the basement or garage, add insulation or heat tape.

Weatherproofing your home for fall doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By sealing up drafts, adding insulation where needed, and making a few minor adjustments, you can ensure maximum comfort and efficiency as the temperatures drop.

Test the Heating System and Address Any Issues Promptly

To ensure your HVAC system provides maximum comfort this fall, it’s important to test your heating system before the temperatures really start dropping. As the seasons change, your HVAC equipment goes from cooling to heating mode and issues can appear during this switchover.

Turn on your furnace for a few minutes to make sure everything seems to be in working order. Listen closely for any strange noises like grinding or rattling which could indicate a problem. Check nearby vents to make sure warm air is blowing through steadily. If anything seems off, it’s best to schedule an HVAC technician to inspect your system. It’s much better to address any issues now rather than when you really need the heat!

An HVAC professional can fully evaluate your heating system to uncover issues you may miss. They have the proper tools and training to test components like the pilot light, burners, thermostat, and ductwork.

Regular maintenance and tune-ups also help improve efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your equipment. If needed, they can perform necessary repairs or replacements to get your furnace in shape for the heating season.

Schedule a Professional HVAC Maintenance Checkup Before the Fall

As fall approaches, it’s important to schedule an HVAC maintenance checkup with a professional technician. A skilled technician will thoroughly inspect your entire HVAC system to ensure everything is in working order for the heating season.

The technician can test the heating elements, clean or replace air filters, check for leaks or damage in the ductwork, and ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated. They can also check that safety features like the emergency shut-off switch are functioning properly.

Take the worry and surprise out of the winter season by calling our HVAC experts at The AC Guys today to schedule an affordable maintenance checkup. We look forward to helping you get things in order before the cold weather.

Take the Steps Now to Save Future Time, Money, and Energy

The fall season is fast approaching, so now is the time to get your HVAC system ready for the changing weather. By performing some routine maintenance, cleaning, and adjustments, you can ensure your heating and cooling equipment operates as efficiently as possible all season long. Keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills under control is worth the small effort. Contact our professionals for HVAC assistance, maintenance, or inspection. Staying on top of these few tasks each year helps keep your system running strong for many more seasons to come.