Cooler Weather Checklist & Things to Do This Fall
If you’re in the midst of preparing your home for fall by hanging wreaths, decorating the house, and lighting pumpkin spice candles, you’re on the right track! Fall is filled with so many fun activities and beautiful weather to enjoy. However, while you may be ready for the season, your home’s HVAC system might not be. Among all the fun decorating and fall festivals, preparing your home for the cooler weather is an essential part of having a smooth transition from hot, humid summer days to cool winter nights. Follow this cooler weather checklist to prepare yourself and your home for fall.
Things To Do
Prepare Your Home For Fall With HVAC Maintenance
Fall is undoubtedly the most comfortable time of year in the Tennessee Valley, but not if your HVAC system isn’t working properly. The most important aspect of keeping your home comfortable throughout any season is your HVAC system, so taking the proper precautions to keep a healthy, efficient system is crucial. Follow these 5 steps to keep your comfort system running smoothly throughout the fall and winter.
1. Change or Clean Your Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter goes through a lot in a short period of time. Your air filter is the barrier between air coming into your system from outside and air going into your home. Its job is to catch all the particles that could hinder your home’s air quality. Because of this, it regularly becomes filled with dust, dander, bacteria, and other contaminants that make it harder for air to pass through. The longer you go without changing or cleaning your air filter, the less efficient and effective it becomes at doing its job. Change your filter every 1-3 months to keep your system running efficiently and effectively.
2. Clean the Air Vents
Just like your filter, air vents are a barrier between air leaving your system and entering your home. Air vents regularly gather dust, pet hair and other debris that make it harder for them to do their job as well. Clean your air vents by first vacuuming the loose particles. Then, remove the vent cover and wash it in warm, soapy water. Dry the vent covers before replacing them and you’re good to go!
3. Clear the Outdoor Unit
As the leaves begin to fall, be sure to take extra care of your outdoor system. Keeping the outdoor system free of leaves, limbs, and other debris is crucial to proper performance. Be sure to also leave about 3 feet of clearance between the outdoor system and any trees, bushes, foliage, or structures.
4. Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you don’t currently have a smart or programmable thermostat, you could be missing out on tons of energy savings, especially as the temperature changes in the Tennessee valley. Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperatures in your home right from your phone, and programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures on hourly, daily, or weekly schedules. As the seasons change, these thermostats are a great addition to keeping your comfort levels properly adjusted.
5. Call Environmental Comfort Systems
If your home isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, call Environmental Comfort Systems. We’ve got the solutions to all your heating repair and replacement needs. We offer FREE in-home estimates on new system installations with no obligation. Our goal is always total home comfort for you and your family throughout every season.
Other Home Maintenance Tasks
While your HVAC system is the most crucial part of keeping your home comfortable this fall, there are other things you should focus on as well to prepare your whole home for the upcoming cooler weather.
6. Roof Repair
Before cold temperatures hit, repair your roof. This includes broken or missing shingles, leaking areas, and even gutters and downspouts. Potential extreme weather conditions could cause dangerous situations if these areas are not in proper working condition.
7. Fireplace Inspection
Before using your fireplace this winter, ensure everything is in working order. Open the flue and check for any nests, leaves, or other debris that may have gathered in the chimney over the summer. Clean out any old ashes and ensure all the necessary fireplace tools are accessible. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, turn it on and make sure it’s running properly. Call a professional if needed.
Read our article on Home Heating Fire Prevention Tips to stay safe this winter.
8. Lawn Care
If you like to keep a nice yard, now’s the time for one last pampering. As the weather cools down, cut the grass for the last time this season, aerate the lawn if desired, and apply fall lawn fertilizer. This is the best way to ensure your grass stays healthy during the winter.
In the driveway, if any weeds are poking through cracks or gaps, pull them and repair the driveway as needed. It’s also a great time to add another layer of mulch around plants to give them extra protection from colder temperatures.
9. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Check
Home fires and carbon monoxide leaks are most common in the fall and winter months. Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are your first line of defense when things go wrong. Ensure they’re working properly by replacing batteries every year (or as needed) and replacing alarms every 10 years.
Ensure you have an escape plan in place including how to get out of every room, a path to exit the house, and a place to meet up outside. Read our article on Home Heating Fire Prevention Tips to stay safe this winter.
10. Seal Drafts
If you haven’t already, check doors and windows for cracks or openings where cold outside air could enter your warm home this winter. Seal any cracks or openings to keep efficiency and comfort levels at a maximum.
What’s Next?
Whether you need heating repair, a routine filter change, furnace replacement, or something in between, we’re ready to help. Our team of highly trained professionals delivers tailored solutions at a reasonable price. Call Environmental Comfort Systems to speak with your trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Decatur, AL today.
We care about the comfort of your whole home and often provide tips for whole home comfort. Call today at (256) 308-0032 or email us at info@envcomfort.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
