Fall is officially in full swing across the United States, which means it’s the right time for homeowners to begin focusing on HVAC system upkeep and maintenance in preparation for the ensuing winter season.
And although HVAC chores aren’t as exciting as bringing your cozy blankets out of your closet and switching up your fashion for sweater weather, a little bit of extra attention toward your heating system can substantially improve how your entire property feels during the coldest weeks of the year.
We recently got in touch with the HVAC specialists over at Apex Clean Air to get a pro glimpse into what regular homeowners should be keeping in mind in terms of easy, DIY tasks—and the good news is that you don’t need be an expert or spend a ton of money to make a tangible difference this fall.
So, check out the below sections to learn 6 easy fall HVAC chores that’ll keep your property efficient, comfortable and ready for whatever winter brings!
1. Swapping Out Your Air Filters For A Fresh Start This Fall
If there’s one easy chore that all homeowners should do this fall regarding their HVAC systems, it’s to simply switch out system air filters.
Over the course of each summer, every home experiences a buildup of pollen, dust and pet dander in HVAC filters—and this type of debris subsequently forces a system to work much harder than it’s actually supposed to in terms of properly circulating clean air. Clogged filters also tend to make homes unevenly heated, feel stuffy and trigger seasonal allergies.
The good news is that a fresh filter will go a long way to improve indoor air quality and your heating system’s efficiency this winter. And if you don’t already know, a good rule of thumb to go by is that you should replace your HVAC filters around every 1-3 months—and likely more often if you have pets!
2. Clearing Out The Areas Near Returns & Vents
It’s normal for homeowners to overlook their vents and returns when making seasonal preparations ahead of the winter season, and blocked vents very quickly prevent warm air from proper circulation. This leads to issues like certain rooms feeling colder than others, and everyone should always do a quick walkthrough during the fall months to guarantee that no vents are being blocked by curtains, rugs or furniture.
It’s also important to get pet hair and dust thoroughly vacuumed out of your homes returns and vents during the fall season, because this will instantly improve your property’s overall circulation.
3. Adjusting Thermostat Settings For Savings & Comfort
Fall is also the perfect time of year for homeowners to start thinking about their thermostat habits.
If you’re not currently using a smart thermostat just yet, this year could be the right time to keep these tech-savvy upgrades in mind. Smart thermostats are capable of automatically adjusting your home’s indoor temperatures based on your household schedule, which ensures that you’re always warm when you’re home and that you’re not wasting energy when you’re away.
For an optimal balancing of both efficiency and comfort, consider setting your thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and slightly lower during the nighttime hours. And although this might seem a bit chilly for some, layering up with slippers and cozy blankets in the evenings will help you stay warm—while saving you money and protecting your HVAC system!
4. Giving Outdoor HVAC Units Some TLC
It’s also important to keep in mind that your outdoor HVAC units are undoubtedly going to need some attention during the fall months as well.
This means clearing away any sticks, leaves and other debris that might’ve collected around the unit during the summer months. Our tip here is to aim for around 2-3 feet of clearance to ensure proper airflow around all outdoor units.
Although this might seem like a small chore, it definitely helps prevent system straining as you begin transitioning from cooling to heating. And if you live in an area that experiences a lot of snowfall, you might also want to consider adding a breathable cover over your outdoor unit to protect it from inadvertent ice buildup.
5. Scheduling A Professional HVAC Maintenance Appointment
Even when your home’s HVAC system is seemingly running great, your best option during the fall will always be to schedule a professional inspection appointment with your local industry technicians.
HVAC pros will have the know-how to recognize lingering issues deep within your system long before they cause you headaches during the heart of winter, and fall tune-ups typically include services like checking electrical components, cleaning coils, and keeping heating systems in peak operating performance.
And although there’s plenty of preventive DIY care that people can do on their own, professional help always goes a step further to fully guarantee that a home is prepped and ready for winter’s first cold spells!
6. Bringing Cozy Energy To All Of Your Home’s Rooms
Once your system is fully tuned, cleaned and efficient, there’s no denying that you’ll start noticing tangible differences like fresher indoor air, steadier warmth, and consistent coziness throughout your property.
And when you add in a few finishing touches like heavy curtains, plush rugs and diffused lighting, you’ll experience the optimal coziness that your HVAC system is meant to provide.
So, just remember that fall and winter comfort isn’t necessarily just about heat—because it’s also about creating a beautiful harmony between your home and the season!
Fall HVAC Comfort Made Simple Through Easy Chores & Maintenance
When it comes down to your home’s comfort this winter, the above small habits and chores can make a significant impact.
By simply taking a few days to take good care of your HVAC system during months like October and November, you’ll see huge dividends during January and February when your HVAC system performs smoother, your home’s air feels fresher, and you continuously love coming back to a cozy home on frigid days.
That’s why homeowners everywhere should prioritize their HVAC maintenance this fall as an essential reset that keeps your property inviting, warm, and ready for the many cozy days ahead!
