The first day of fall hits on September 22, which means it’s time to prepare your home’s HVAC system for the changing weather. The leaves will be changing, and the air will be crisper before we know it, so let Heating Specialties keep your New Jersey home more comfortable with some essential HVAC maintenance. Your family will thank you!
1. Change your filter
When’s the last time you changed the filter in your HVAC system? If it’s been more than a month or so, it’s probably time to swap it for a new one and get a fresh start for fall. Changing your filter is one of the top DIY maintenance tasks you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly, so we recommend that homeowners check and change their air filter about every 30-60 days.
2. Clean up falling leaves
The changing leaves of New Jersey may be beautiful, but they can cause real issues as they start falling. Before you put away the rake later this fall, make sure to clean up your outdoor A/C unit of any debris. If not removed, the next time you turn on your A/C in the spring (or for a random warmer day in the fall), these fallen leaves may block airflow, reduce efficiency and even potentially damage the unit. We also recommend using an HVAC cover to protect the outdoor unit if possible.
3. Check ductwork and window seals
Before the temperatures cool off too much, take some time to check the seals on your windows and doors. You can improve seals with caulk and weather stripping to keep out cold air. You can also check your HVAC ductwork for leaks and seal them off with aluminum tape. Prevent drafts by keeping the warm air where it belongs, and you’ll reduce energy waste and save money on utility bills.
4. Watch for changes on utility bills
Speaking of saving money, as you turn on the heat in your home, keep an eye on your gas and electric bills. Make sure you don’t see any unusual spikes in your utility costs compared to the same time last year. When your unit isn’t functioning correctly, it may have to work harder to keep your home warm, so a higher utility bill is often a sign to call the Heating Specialties experts to look at any possible repairs.
5. Schedule a fall tune-up
Regardless of how your HVAC system appears to be working, we always recommend a fall tune-up to prepare your furnace or heating system for the cold winters for which New Jersey is known. Our maintenance tune-ups, performed by one of our experienced HVAC professionals, ensure that your machinery and overall system are in top working condition. If we find any issues, we’ll offer you multiple solutions for repair or replacement.
When you’re ready to prep your HVAC system for fall, give Heating Specialties a call! You can reach us at (866) 923-2653 or schedule your tune-up online today!