The change in seasons can bring mixed feelings. For some, the crisp air in the morning when you step outside your backdoor may cause a sudden sensation to pull out your favorite sweaters, light pumpkin spice candles, and snuggle under a blanket with your favorite latte. Conversely, you might also be frantically grasping for the last, fleeting moments of summer while all you can think about is, “Winter is coming…”
No matter how you feel about the autumn season, you’ll want to make sure your HVAC continues operating at peak performance as temperatures begin to drop. With this fall checklist, you can sit inside in comfort and confidence while watching the leaves change.
Change air filters
Your HVAC system has probably been working overtime during the brutal summer heat in East Tennessee, which means your air filter is probably full of dirt, grime, and debris from outside. Changing your air filter is an easy way to keep your HVAC from needing to work harder than necessary and helps keep the air in your home free of harmful pollutants.
A new air filter could also make a significant difference for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to weed pollen, ragweed, and sagebrush during the fall season.
Duct system inspected
Odds are you haven’t thought about your duct system in a while (or maybe ever), but this system is the hidden network that keeps your home livable throughout the year. While you have time before colder weather truly begins, take some time and inspect your system to be sure there are no leaks or insulation to replace. If your duct system isn’t insulated, it may be a project to consider to help prevent your ducts from losing valuable heat in your home.
Heating system inspected
Unless you tried turning your living room into a sauna, you probably haven’t used your heating system in your HVAC in months. Scheduling an inspection could make a significant difference in the heating performance of your HVAC system when temperatures begin to drop. During your inspection, the technician will address issues within the heating system and clean and lubricate components as needed.
Open all vents
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s easily overlooked. If you closed vents during the summer, opening your vents will ensure heat is properly distributed throughout your house. Your HVAC system will not work properly or efficiently if your vents aren’t open.
Inspect home air leaks
Heating your home properly during the fall and winter months is not cheap. Your HVAC system will have to work even harder if you have air leaks around your house, costing your home valuable heat and costing you more money.
To inspect your home, walk around its exterior with a lit stick of incense. If the smoke pulls toward the windows, it means that they are leaking air. Use caulk to seal these costly air leaks.
Test your thermostat
Test your thermostat now before the weather turns significantly colder during the winter. This will ensure your desired temperature on the thermostat is translating to what you experience in your home. If it doesn’t, it may be time for a new thermostat or to have your HVAC system serviced.
Keep AC and heating systems free of debris
No matter if you live in a gated suburb or a mountain lodge, your outdoor HVAC unit will have debris on and inside it. These foreign particles will interfere with the heating and cooling performance of your HVAC system. Clean easily accessible debris from your outdoor unit, and make sure plants have not grown too close.
Clean your registers
Have you checked your registers lately? They get covered with dirt and dust over time. Clean them regularly to prevent pollutants and fall allergens from circulating around your home.
Give your humidifier a break
Humidity can fluctuate dramatically throughout the year in East Tennessee. In order to keep your important humidifier running smoothly during the cold winter months, turn off your furnace humidifier’s water supply to give it a brief rest. As the temperatures continue to drop, replace the water panel (or humidifier pad), set the relative humidity between 35 and 45 percent, and turn on the water supply to the furnace humidifier.
Use fans to give your system a break
Another way to give your HVAC system a brief vacation is to use fans instead of adjusting your thermostat. Fall weather in East Tennessee is legendarily pleasant, so take advantage by opening windows around your home and use fans to keep your indoor temperature comfortable. Opening windows will also help with circulating new air in your home after a long, hot summer.
Taking advantage of mild weather by giving your system a break will also lengthen the life of your HVAC equipment and save you money on your energy bills.
Have chimneys cleaned
Chimneys are a great addition to any home, and a fireplace can turn a chilly evening into a cozy, warm night. However, a chimney that’s not properly serviced and cleaned can be a huge energy loss and cost in you in valuable heat, thus wasting money. Also, the National Fire Protection Association estimates more than 20,000 residential fires per year can be traced back to chimneys and fireplaces. Take time to call a professional to have your chimney serviced every fall.
Adjust your thermostat
Sometimes, taking the most obvious step can make the biggest difference. With kids back in school and cooler temperatures on the way, set your thermostat higher during the day to conserve energy as the transition from summer to fall begins.
HVAC Company in Knoxville, TN
At City Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer an annual service plan that is unrivaled in East Tennessee. Whether your heating and cooling system needs routine maintenance or you’re ready for a new HVAC installation, City Heating and Air Conditioning has everything you need as the fall season ushers in cooler weather.
We’re proud to provide Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas with exemplary heating and cooling services and have worked hard to build a reputation of outstanding customer service and satisfaction. Our HVAC company offers HVAC maintenance, installation, and repairs for a variety of HVAC systems. Learn more about our HVAC services by calling us today at 865-938-1005.