HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to pull out your HVAC maintenance checklist and make sure your heating system is ready for the cold weather that will undoubtedly be here in month or so. Unless an unusual heat wave or cold front hits your area in late September or early October, this is typically the time of year when the weather is seasonable and pleasant – and there’s little need for either central air conditioning or your heating system.

An HVAC checklist can be a handy tool that can be used as a HVAC preventive maintenance reminder. HVAC maintenance is important in the fall because you want your system to be in excellent condition heading into winter. It’s never a good idea to wait until the outdoor air is uncomfortably cold before checking to make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly.

Your HVAC maintenance checklist for fall should include the following HVAC preventive maintenance items:

Make sure your HVAC system’s air filter is new.

Your HVAC system’s air filter should be changed on a monthly basis. If you have not changed or cleaned your air filter in quite some time, now is the time to take care of it.

Have your air ducts cleaned.

Many homeowners elect to have their air ducts professionally cleaned once a year. Fall is an excellent time to schedule an air duct cleaning appointment.

Adjust your ceiling fans so they spin in the correct direction.

During the summer, your home’s ceiling fans should be set to spin in the forward direction. During the winter, the fans should be set to spin in the reverse direction.

Schedule an appointment with your HVAC company for an inspection and tune-up.

An HVAC inspection and tune-up is a good way to help prevent the need for emergency HVAC repair on the coldest day of the year.

Look into purchasing an extended service agreement for your HVAC system.

An extended service agreement is designed to help cover the cost of parts and labor if your HVAC system ever requires a repair.

Fall is a good time of year to evaluate your current heating and air conditioning system and decide whether it’s time to replace it with a new, more efficient system. If you think you might want to have a new system installed before winter, now is a good time to start shopping for a replacement.

An HVAC maintenance checklist can help you stay on track with HVAC preventive maintenance. It can be difficult to remember everything that should be completed prior to the beginning of the cold weather season. Besides the abovementioned items, make sure to add the following to your HVAC maintenance checklist: reset your thermostat, make sure all of your home’s air vents are open and not blocked by furniture or other items, and make sure your windows, doors and attic are properly insulated.

For more information about what should be included on your HVAC maintenance checklist, give your local HVAC company a call. Scheduling a seasonal inspection and tune-up for your HVAC system is one of the best things you can do for your home’s heating, ventilation and cooling system at this time of year.