The Fall Checklist Every Homeowner Should Review With Their Local HVAC Company

As temperatures all across the country begin to dip and the days slowly but surely get shorter, it’s now time for homeowners to begin making all the necessary preparations for the upcoming winter season.

By far one of the smartest things that homeowners can do during months like September and October is team up with a trusted HVAC service provider to guarantee that their heating systems are ready to rock by the time the first cold spells arrive.

We’ve luckily been able to partner with Apex Clean Air, a renowned HVAC company in Denver Colorado to get their take on what everyone’s fall checklist should include this year, and every homeowner is going to want to stick around here and find out what we learned.

So, check out the below sections to learn more about the fall checklist that you should go over with your local HVAC team!

1. Inspecting & Cleaning Your Furnace System 

There’s no denying how your home’s furnace is going to work incredibly hard during the coldest months of the year, which is why it’s so essential to make sure it’s in tip-top condition well before you actually need it. 

When you partner up with an HVAC company for a fall seasonal checkup appointment, they’ll thoroughly inspect the system’s heat exchanger, burners and blower motor. The odds are that these components will need cleaning to remove any debris or dust that could negatively impact the system’s performance.

And what’s great is that a well-maintained, clean furnace unit will operate very efficiently, which will help you save money on your heating bills. 

2. Cleaning or Replacing Your Air Filters 

Your home’s air filters will also play a huge role in ensuring your indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC system performance this upcoming winter. 

Dirty filters inevitably cause your furnace to work much harder than it’s supposed to, which will also create unnecessary wearing and abnormally high energy costs. 

This is why your HVAC technician will double-check your system’s filters during their maintenance visit, and they’ll likely recommend either cleaning or replacing them entirely. 

And it’s important for homeowners to remember how they should be replacing their air filters around every 1-3 months throughout the course of each year!

3. Testing The HVAC System’s Thermostat 

A lot of people don’t realize this, but your thermostat is pretty much the control center for your entire HVAC system. 

This is why it’s crucial to test your thermostat’s responsiveness and accuracy before the weather gets too cold. And the good news is that your HVAC provider can easily recalibrate your thermostat if necessary, and you could potentially even upgrade to a smart thermostat that could improve your property’s energy management this winter. 

4. Inspecting For Ductwork Leaks 

Ductwork leaks can unfortunately cause warm air to escape your HVAC system prior to it actually reaching you and your home’s rooms, which means that your system will work way too hard to simply keep up with your ongoing demands. 

Ductwork inspections are always a crucial part of fall maintenance appointments, and your HVAC team will definitely have the proper technology and tools to thoroughly examine your home’s ducts for common issues like loose connections, cracks and blockages. 

But the good news is that when you seal up your ducts, you’ll improve heating efficiency and subsequently maintain consistent indoor temperatures throughout your property. 

5. Checking Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Safety should always be your top priority as a homeowner, and it’s important to remember that your fuel-burning furnace produces heat and subsequently poses the potential for carbon monoxide leaks when things go terribly wrong. 

This is why your fall HVAC maintenance appointment always includes checking carbon monoxide detectors and making sure that they’re properly installed and functional. This could simply include replacing batteries as a preventative measure before you start using your furnace on a daily basis!

6. Cleaning Resisters & Vents 

All sorts of dust and debris will make its way into your home’s registers and vents over the course of many months, and these types of blockages can potentially restrict your HVAC system’s airflow and reduce its overall efficiency. 

This is why homeowners should ask their technician about cleaning and checking these often-overlooked areas during seasonal maintenance appointments, because this will help guarantee that your air circulation is smooth this winter. 

7. Reviewing Your HVAC System’s Efficiency 

Fall is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to reach out to your local HVAC company and get a thorough review of your system’s ongoing efficiency. 

This is particularly important if your heat pump or furnace is over 15 years old, because these discussions often go hand-in-hand with replacement options that you’d want to keep in mind prior to winter. 

And it’s important for homeowners to remember that today’s heating systems are far more complex and superior as compared to the heating systems of just a decade ago, so you can quickly offset your initial replacement investment within a matter of a few years through utility bill reductions!

Be Sure To Contact Your Local HVAC Company This Fall Before The Winter Rush Hits Your Area 

When you schedule a seasonal checkup with your HVAC company this fall, you’ll subsequently be investing in safety, comfort and a lot of savings. 

By going through the above checklist with your technician, you can rest assured that your checkup was thorough and that your home will be prepped and ready for the upcoming colder months ahead. 

And regardless of your home’s current needs, it’s always a lot better to get these HVAC services done before the rest of your community is inevitably contacting them in months like November and December!