Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips: How to Prepare for the Cooler Weather

HVAC systems account for more than half of your home’s total energy consumption, which adds up to thousands of dollars every year. But what if there was a way to minimize these expenses? The answer lies in regular HVAC maintenance. By taking proactive steps to keep your heating and cooling system in top shape, you can improve its efficiency, lower your monthly energy bills, and avoid the need for costly repairs or premature replacement.

The Importance of Fall HVAC Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system works hard all year round to keep you comfortable, but during the summer months, it’s been putting in overtime to combat the humidity. By the time fall rolls around, your HVAC has earned a well-deserved break and maintenance appointment. Performing routine maintenance each fall allows you to address any wear and tear that may have occurred during the busy summer season. It’s also an opportunity to catch minor issues before they turn into major problems down the road. By being proactive and taking care of your HVAC now, you can avoid costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns when you need your heating system the most.

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance pays off in more ways than one. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, which means it uses less energy to keep your home comfortable. This translates into lower utility bills and more money in your pocket.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Just like any other mechanical system, your HVAC equipment wears down over time. Regular maintenance helps to minimize this wear and tear, extending the life of your unit.
• Better Indoor Air Quality: During maintenance visits, your HVAC technician will clean and inspect your system’s air filter, ductwork, and other components that impact indoor air quality.
• Fewer Issues: There’s nothing worse than your heating system breaking down in the middle of winter. By keeping up with HVAC maintenance, you can reduce the risk of unexpected failures.

Your Complete Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Scheduling a fall maintenance visit from a professional HVAC technician is one of the best ways to protect your investment and prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need your system the most. Let’s take a closer look at the key tasks these technicians perform during a fall maintenance visit and what you can do yourself.

1. What a Professional HVAC Technician Will Do

Indoor HVAC Maintenance Tasks

• Replace Air Filters: Your HVAC system’s air filter is its first line of defense against dust, dirt, and other airborne particles. If you haven’t replaced yours recently, a professional technician will swap them out as part of their maintenance visit.
• Check and Clean the Blower: Your HVAC system’s blower is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. A technician will check the blower for any signs of wear or damage, and clean it if necessary.

Outdoor HVAC Maintenance Tasks

• Check the Refrigerant Lines: A technician will inspect the refrigerant lines for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks.

Heating System-Specific Tasks

• Inspect the Heat Exchanger: A professional HVAC technician will inspect your heat exchanger for any signs of damage or wear.
• Check the Burner: As part of your fall maintenance, a professional technician will check your heating system’s burner for any signs of dirt, corrosion, or misalignment.
• Test the Ignition System: A professional technician will test your ignition system during your fall maintenance visit, checking for any signs of wear or damage.

General System Checks

• Check for Proper Airflow: During your fall HVAC maintenance, a professional will check the airflow coming from your vents and registers.
• Test for Unusual Noises or Odors: A technician will listen for any unusual sounds, such as grinding, squealing, or buzzing, and check for any strong, persistent odors.

2. What You Can Do

While professional maintenance is crucial, there are a few things you can do to maintain your HVAC system between visits:

• Monitor Your Air Filters: Check your air filters monthly and replace or clean them as needed.
• Keep the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Clear: Regularly remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from around your outdoor unit.
• Program Your Thermostat: Set your desired temperature settings for the fall and winter months.

Remember, while these tasks can help maintain your system, they don’t replace the need for professional maintenance. Always schedule your fall maintenance visit with a qualified HVAC technician to ensure your system is ready for the colder months ahead.

What To Expect From Professional HVAC Inspection

When scheduling your HVAC maintenance this fall, a licensed technician will come out to examine your entire system, including indoor and outdoor units, ductwork, and internal components.

During this inspection, they should:

1. Test your system’s performance and efficiency
2. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues
3. Clean and lubricate moving parts as needed
4. Tighten electrical connections and check for any safety hazards
5. Inspect and calibrate your thermostat
6. Check refrigerant levels and look for any leaks
7. Assess your ductwork for leaks, damage, or inefficiencies
8. Provide a detailed report of their findings and recommendations

By catching and addressing potential issues early, you can avoid the headache and expense of major repairs down the line. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system is ready to keep you warm throughout the winter months.

Schedule Your Fall HVAC Maintenance with Jack Lehr

At Jack Lehr Heating Cooling and Electric, we understand the importance of regular HVAC maintenance in keeping your home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient. That’s why we offer our comprehensive Gold Maintenance Plan, which includes:

• 1 or 2 preventative maintenance appointments per year, performed by Jack Lehr’s expert technicians (number of visits varies per system)
• Priority scheduling and access to our on-call technician (available nights/weekends/holidays)
• 15% discount on service calls and repairs
• 2-year parts and labor warranty on repairs (maintenance plan must be active for warranty to remain valid)
• Automatic inclusion in our Loyalty Rewards program
• And more!

When you choose Jack Lehr for your fall HVAC maintenance, you’ll enjoy the convenience of regular, proactive maintenance visits, the security of priority service and discounts, and the confidence of knowing your HVAC system is in the hands of the best in the business.

Don’t wait until the cold weather hits to think about your HVAC maintenance—schedule service today!