Fall HVAC Tips: Get Your Home Ready Before the Wisconsin Cold Arrives
Fall is here in Wisconsin, and those cool nights are a reminder that heating season isn’t far away. Before your furnace starts working overtime, now is a great time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the months ahead.
A little preparation now can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your home comfortable when the temperatures really start to drop.
1. Turn Your Furnace On Before You Really Need It
Don’t wait for the first freezing night to find out your furnace has a problem. Turn your heat on now and let it run for a while.
Listen for unusual noises and make sure warm air is coming from your vents. A slight burning or dusty smell can be normal the first time the furnace runs for the season, but a strong or lingering odor should be checked out.
2. Check Your Furnace Filter
A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder than it needs to and can reduce airflow throughout your home.
Check your filter regularly and replace it when it’s dirty. Homes with pets, smokers, allergies, or a lot of dust may need filter changes more often.
3. Don’t Skip Fall Furnace Maintenance
Even if your furnace seems to be running fine, an annual inspection can catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
During a professional furnace maintenance visit, your HVAC technician can inspect the system, check important components, clean where needed, and make sure everything is operating safely and properly.
It’s much better to discover a problem on a mild fall day than on a 10-degree night!
4. Check Your Thermostat
Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating and make sure it responds properly. Fall is also a good time to check the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust your schedule for the colder months. Lowering the temperature when you’re sleeping or away from home can help reduce unnecessary energy use.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Outdoor AC Unit
Your air conditioner may be done for the season, but give the outdoor unit a quick look before winter.
Remove leaves, grass clippings, sticks, and other debris that have collected around it. Keeping the area clear helps protect the equipment and ensures it will be ready when you need it again next spring.
6. Pay Attention to Changes in Your Heating System
You know what’s normal for your home. If your furnace suddenly starts making strange noises, running much longer than usual, producing unusual smells, or struggling to keep your home comfortable, don’t ignore it.
Catching a problem early can sometimes mean the difference between a smaller repair and a no-heat emergency later.
Get Ready for Heating Season With American Heating & Air Plus
Wisconsin winters can be tough, but getting your heating system ready doesn’t have to be.
American Heating & Air Plus is here to help keep your home warm and comfortable all season long. Whether you need fall furnace maintenance, a repair, or simply have questions about your heating system, give our team a call.
American Heating & Air Plus — The li’l company with a big heart.”