5 Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Cozy Fall

The arrival of fall means more than new seasonal lattes and spooky décor. It also means a shift in your HVAC system from cooling to heating your home.

That’s what makes fall the perfect time to perform routine HVAC maintenance. Proper maintenance can keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly year-round. Otherwise, you could end up with expensive repairs down the line.

These five steps can help you take care of your fall HVAC maintenance work before the weather turns even colder:

1. Replace Your HVAC Filters

One simple yet often overlooked HVAC maintenance step is to replace the system’s air filters.

Dirty filters can make it harder for your HVAC system to circulate air in your home, which can be especially problematic when your system is transitioning from hot to cold months and vice versa. Cleaning your filters will help your system run more efficiently and set you up for success over the cold months ahead.

Depending on the size of your filters, you should replace them every one to three months.

2. Check the Thermostat Settings

As you shift from using your AC to your heat, take a moment to think about the temperature you’re setting on your thermostat. By choosing a fall-friendly temperature range that doesn’t overly stress your HVAC system, you’ll save money on your electricity bills and keep your system from overworking itself.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit during colder months and turning the temperature down 7 to 10 degrees below your usual range while you sleep.

A smart thermostat can allow you to turn your heat up or down on a set schedule, such as while you’re asleep or not at home. This can reduce your energy costs, saving you money on your utility bills.

3. Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units

Fall doesn’t just bring colder temperatures to Madison, WI. It also brings lots of leaves and tree debris. And while you might remember to rake your leaves, you might not remember to clean them out of your HVAC system.

By clearing debris like leaves, buildup, and fallen branches out of your HVAC unit, you’ll allow it to run more efficiently. To safely clear your HVAC unit of debris, remember to:

• Turn off your HVAC system while you work.
• Wear protective equipment like gloves and safety goggles.
• Use tools like leaf blowers to gently clear out the system’s crevices.

We recommend clearing at least a few feet of space around your unit to help it stay clear.

4. Check for Unusual Noises or Odors

After clearing out your system, listen for any unusual sounds, such as clanking or hissing. These sounds could mean something is loose or leaking. Odd odors should also be investigated. A reliable technician can check your unit and find the source of these issues.

5. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

Another important step in your fall HVAC maintenance plan should be to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up. A professional can perform a full inspection of your unit and make sure it’s ready for the cold months ahead.

With an HVAC tune-up, you can:

• Identify and eliminate any sources of foul odors
• Clean out your system of debris
• Repair or replace any damaged lines
• Catch minor issues before they become major problems

Choose All Comfort Services for HVAC Services in Madison, WI

Getting started on an HVAC maintenance plan for fall is simple enough to do on your own, but a professional’s help can make it even easier. That’s why All Comfort Services offers our Comfort Club, a program designed to handle all HVAC maintenance needs.

You can count on us to clean out your system, inspect it for unusual sounds or smells, replace your filters, and more. Ask about joining our Comfort Club to ensure your HVAC system stays in good condition year-round.

Contact us online to schedule an appointment for fall HVAC maintenance.