As fall is right on the horizon, you want to make sure your HVAC system is in good condition, especially after a long, hot summer when it has been working hard. Below, you can find our 5 tips to help you prepare your HVAC system for fall.
Why Is Fall HVAC Maintenance Important?
Prepare Before Cold Weather Arrives
Fall is a transitional season from hot weather to cooler weather. It is honestly the best time to give your heating system a quick look to make sure it is ready to handle those freezing winter nights. Checking everything out right now gives you a massive head start, so you can easily fix any little issues before you actually need to turn the heat on.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Regular fall HVAC maintenance involves checking the entire system, including its components, to make sure it’s still functioning properly. When an HVAC system is working properly, it will be more energy efficient because it is working the way it should and using only the energy needed to operate. On the other hand, a system with underlying issues often works harder than it should, therefore uses more energy, and costs more to operate.
Extend the Life of Your HVAC System
Like any other machine, longevity relies heavily on how well you take care of it. With a system such as your home’s heating and cooling system, this means keeping up with regular upkeep. By having a professional come to inspect your system, you make sure any issues are fixed before they become more complex, more expensive, and more stressful to deal with.
Tip #1: Replace or Clean Your HVAC Air Filter 
Why Air Filters Matter
Air filters are responsible for delivering clean air throughout the house by trapping dust, pollen, and mold effectively so that the people in the house don’t have to breathe it in. And now imagine: if air filters aren’t changed regularly, these contaminants can accumulate and even be released into the air, affecting your home’s indoor air quality. Dirty air filters also increase energy use because a blocked filter makes the system work harder.
How Often Should Air Filters Be Changed?
How often you should change your air filters will depend on the size of your filter. But generally, you want to change it every 30 to 90 days. It’s also worth noting that if anyone in the household has allergies or you have pets, checking and cleaning it monthly is highly recommended.
Tip #2: Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
What Happens During a Fall HVAC Maintenance Visit?
During a maintenance visit, the technician inspects all parts of the system and performs a tune-up. The team will check everything from burners and safety controls to electrical performance and thermostat settings to make sure the system can perform well in harsh weather, such as winter.
Benefits of Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance is done by certified technicians with the skills and tools needed to do the job effectively. They have the knowledge and experience to know exactly what to look for when inspecting the system. Often, HVAC issues aren’t obvious, and that is where expertise comes in handy. Finding and addressing issues promptly and effectively will save you time and money.
Tip #3: Test Your Thermostat Before You Need Heat 
Switch Your Thermostat to Heating Mode
Give your system an early test before winter arrives. First, switch it to heating mode, set the temperature you want, and then verify if you can indeed feel the warm air blowing from your vents ( should be within a few minutes). And then pay attention to any noises or error signs. Strange noises, short-cycling, or total failure during start are all indications that your system may have some problems worth checking.
Consider a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Modern features can help make things simpler and more effective for homeowners to manage and control the system. They allow automatic schedules and adjust the temperature from your phone, track energy use so that you can reduce consumption, and provide safety alerts if the temperature drops dangerously.
Tip #4: Check Around Your HVAC System
Keep Indoor Equipment Clear
The next tip to prepare your HVAC system for fall is to keep indoor equipment clutter-free. Anything from boxes to laundry, including chemicals, should be kept away from indoor equipment. This ensures that nothing dangerous is nearby or blocking the airflow. Aside from clutter, make sure the area is cleaned on a regular basis. As previously stated, dust, pollen, and debris that accumulate inside can have a negative impact on your system.
Inspect Outdoor Components
Now, the same goes for the outdoor components. You want a clear distance between the components and other items that may become a hazard. For instance, trim bushes, cut overhanging tree branches, and remove fallen leaves or twigs. The components should ideally stand alone without anything close to them (ideally two feet of open space).
Listen for Unusual Sounds
A well-working HVAC shouldn’t be making any strange noises. Squealing, cracking, and banging are all unusual sounds that should be checked by professionals as soon as possible, because this could indicate serious issues, such as mechanical failure, delayed gas ignition, and loose components.
Tip #5: Seal Air Leaks and Improve Home Efficiency
Inspect Windows and Doors
Besides the system itself, there are other things you can do to help maintain an ideal temperature and improve efficiency. This can be as simple as checking windows and doors for any leaks. These little leaks don’t seem like much, but they can add up to a big loss of warm air coming out of the house. Add weatherstripping to the edges and bottom of the door, fill in any gaps and cracks around the outside window frames, and make sure that windows are shut and locked properly.
Check Your Insulation
Insulation plays a big role in improving home efficiency because it helps create consistent thermal barriers that maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your home. Add material such as extra fiberglass or cellulose insulation if you notice any gaps in the floor, and seal any hidden gaps using expanding foam.
Reduce Heating Costs
Another way to cut back on heating costs is lowering your thermostat down a couple of degrees when you’re in bed or heading out for the day. During the daylight hours, open up your curtains on any windows facing the south to let that free sunshine naturally warm up your living space.
How Johnson’s HVAC Helps Homeowners Prepare for Fall
Professional HVAC Maintenance Services
The team at Johnson’s HVAC is the right team to handle your fall HVAC maintenance. Our technicians are skilled and experienced in dealing with any HVAC needs- whether it’s inspecting your equipment before freezing temperatures or heavy seasonal winds strike, or simply checking thermostat accuracy and cleaning air filters, our comprehensive services will make sure nothing is missed and issues are fixed.
Heating Repairs
The most crucial HVAC preparation before the cold winter season arrives is to check the system’s heating capabilities, because you don’t want to find your HVAC failing in the middle of winter. Let our team help prevent that from happening. We provide a thorough heating inspection to fully diagnose and fix faulty components.
HVAC System Replacements
If your furnace or heat pump is getting up there in age and constantly acting up, it may be time to replace it with a new, high-efficiency unit. But don’t just get anyone to install it. Professional replacement ensures your new equipment is perfectly sized for your specific floor plan and climate, maximizing your comfort while also lowering monthly energy consumption.
Trusted Local Service
Working with a dependable team right in your neighborhood completely takes the guesswork out of the process. You get transparent diagnostics, a reliable schedule, and practical advice tailored to your house rather than a pushy sales pitch.
Call Johnson’s HVAC for all your heating and cooling needs. Our team is ready to serve our beloved customers by ensuring your system stays in excellent condition, and you as a homeowner, can have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC is ready to deliver the comfort you seek.
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