As the leaves begin to change colors and pumpkin spice lattes make a comeback, your heating and cooling system may be the last thing on your mind. Despite the excitement of the season, it’s important to keep up with fall HVAC maintenance. Preventive HVAC maintenance is the best way to prepare your heating and cooling system for cooler weather. The team at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. provides professional HVAC maintenance and repairs to homeowners in Sioux Falls, SD and beyond, and we’ve done so since 1950. We’d like to share some of our best fall HVAC maintenance tips with you.
Change the Air Filter
Inside your furnace is a disposable air filter designed to catch dust, dander, and other detritus floating around in your home. Not only does the filter keep your indoor air cleaner, but it also protects components within the HVAC system from getting dirty or clogged. Once the filter fills up, it’s much less effective at its job and will require a change. We recommend changing the air filter every three months or so. Changing the filter during the fall gives your furnace a clean slate for all the hard work it’s going to do in the winter.
Adjust the Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an excellent tool to help you stay comfortable all year round while protecting your HVAC unit from overworking. As summer gives way to the fall, it’s time to re-program your thermostat for cooler weather. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees while you’re away at work can give your furnace a much-needed break.
Clear Any Outdoor Debris
During summer and early autumn, it’s common for everything from grass clippings to dead leaves and other natural debris to gather around your outdoor HVAC unit. Unfortunately, this accumulated debris can make the unit work harder, decrease its efficiency, and even cause serious damage. It’s important to remove dead leaves and other debris to protect your HVAC system from harm.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
The best way to prepare your HVAC system for fall is to schedule a tune-up. During a furnace maintenance appointment, one of our technicians will thoroughly clean the system, lubricate moving parts, and make adjustments. We’ll also inspect the system for signs of damage. An annual furnace tune-up in autumn will enhance your system’s performance, reliability, and energy efficiency. Maintenance can even help extend the unit’s lifespan, ensuring that you get the most out of it for many seasons to come. Be sure to take a look at our maintenance plan, which covers an annual system tune-up and inspection.
Repair Issues Early
Another benefit of fall maintenance is the opportunity to catch potential mechanical problems before they become serious. During a tune-up, our technician will make note of any potential issues so you can have them repaired as quickly as possible. Furnace maintenance can help prevent the unit from breaking down on a cold winter night.
Maintain Warranty Eligibility
A manufacturer’s warranty on your HVAC system can cover the cost of parts, labor, or both, depending on the fine print. In order to maintain the warranty, some manufacturers require you to keep up with routine maintenance and inspections. These need to be conducted by a professinal.
Consider Replacing Your Heating and Cooling System
Is your furnace more than a decade old? Did it struggle to keep your home warm last fall and winter? If so, it may be time for a replacement. Aging furnaces are less reliable and energy efficient than newer models. A new furnace can heat up your home more efficiently while saving you from high energy bills. Speak with our knowledgeable technicians if you’re considering a furnace replacement this autumn.
Your HVAC Service Experts
Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. is a leading provider of HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installations in Sioux Falls and beyond. Our goal is to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently all season long. That’s why we offer a competitive maintenance plan for your peace of mind. Not only does it cover your annual tune-up, but after hours emergency repair service, too. In addition to fulfilling your heating and cooling needs, Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. also provides quality plumbing and electrical services.
Our technicians at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. are standing by and ready to help you prepare your HVAC system for the fall. Call us today to schedule an appointment with a member of our knowledgeable staff.
