The Ultimate Fall Checklist for Your Home & Your Family
After a hot, humid Tennessee Valley summer, we’re all anxiously awaiting fall! Just think about it: the smell of pumpkin spice everywhere you go, the cooler weather and changing colors of nature, and the upcoming holiday season! There are so many things to look forward to this fall. However, while you might be ready for it, your home might not be. Keep reading for the best fall checklist that will prepare your home and your family to make the most of the season!
Family Activities
If you’re looking for some fun ideas for the whole family to do together this fall, keep some of the activities listed in the photo above in mind! Some of our favorite activities to do with our family and friends during fall are going camping, having a movie night, visiting a pumpkin patch, and, of course, finding our way through a corn maze. Print this graphic off and stick it on the fridge so whenever you’re looking for something to do this fall, you’ll know where to look!
Fall HVAC Maintenance Tasks
While the weather outside may get cold this fall and winter, you can rest easy knowing your home will stay warm and cozy inside when you follow these fall HVAC maintenance tips:
1. Change or Clean Your Air Filter
Over a short period of time, our air filters go through A LOT, especially during the summer. Now that cooler weather is setting in and you’ll be using your home’s heating source for the first time in a while, changing or cleaning your air filter is one of the most important steps to ensure your system performs as it should. A clean air filter also keeps your comfort system running more efficiently throughout every season.
2. Clean the Air Vents
Your air vents have also gone through a lot over the course of the summer, so it’s time to give them a good cleaning. Take them down, wash them in warm, soapy water, and replace them once they’re dry. You’ll experience better air quality and air flow with clean air vents.
3. Free the Outdoor Unit of Any Debris
While falling leaves are beautiful to watch, they’re not so beautiful when they land on our outdoor unit. Regularly check your outdoor unit during the fall to ensure it is free of leaves, limbs, and other debris. This will keep your system operating properly.
4. Invest In A Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule your home’s temperature settings according to your lifestyle. Without a programmable thermostat, you could be missing out on energy savings. Invest in a programmable thermostat to save money throughout every season, even when you’re not at home!
5. Call Environmental Comfort Systems
If your furnace or heat pump isn’t keeping your home warm as the weather cools down, contact Environmental Comfort Systems. We specialize in heat pump and furnace repair, replacement, and maintenance. We also offer free in-home estimates on new systems because we want you to get the best service and the best system at the best value.
Other Home Maintenance Tasks
While your HVAC system has the biggest impact on your home’s comfort, there are other aspects of your home you should also prepare for the cooler weather.
1. Check Your Fireplace
You probably haven’t used your fireplace since last year, so before lighting it up for the first time this season, a fireplace inspection is necessary. While you can check it yourself, you may want to hire a professional to ensure the safety of your home and your family this season.
2. Check Your Home’s Insulation
Ensuring your home is insulated properly is important in staying comfortable and saving energy during any season. Before the weather gets too cold, check your attic for sufficient insulation. Since heat rises, if your attic is not properly insulated, you could lose heat and waste money this winter.
3. Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide leaks are most common in the fall and winter months as our furnaces are running full blast. Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by replacing batteries and testing the equipment.
4. Check For Drafts Around Doors & Windows
Checking doors and windows is another great way to ensure you’re not wasting energy or hindering your comfort this season. Check doors and windows for drafts, cracks, openings, or signs of deterioration. Use caulk where applicable, or replace doors and windows that may be too far gone.
Get In Touch
No matter the HVAC service you need this fall, Environmental Comfort Systems has you covered! Call us at (256) 308-0032 to talk about your HVAC needs.
We are your trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Decatur, AL. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information regarding your HVAC system.
