How To Transition Your HVAC From Summer to Fall

The kids may dread it, but it can be a parent’s favorite time of year: back-to-school season. We’re one step closer to fall and using our HVAC systems less and less. Cool Fall temperatures with less humidity mean turning off your AC and enjoying the foliage, along with some energy savings.

Just because you use your HVAC less in the autumn, however, doesn’t mean it should be ignored completely. You’ll be relieved to know there are some smart steps you can follow to ensure your HVAC works through the fall, fully prepared for winter.

A SMART maintenance checklist to keep you from “falling” behind:

• Inspect and Clean Your Air Filter: Replacing your air filter reduces indoor contaminants in the Fall and Winter, when you’re most concerned with staying warm. Keep excess allergens out of your home! Waiting too long increases buildup in your filter that impedes circulation of pure air. Improve your HVAC’s fuel efficiency and long-term operating costs.

• Clear Your Air Vents: Your air vents (also referred to as registers) need to be cleared and cleaned for full efficiency in all seasons. Move heavier furniture, toys, pet kennels, or other obstructing items away from the vents so that heated air can flow freely throughout your home.

• Clean Your Humidifier: Humidifiers are an important part of keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. They manage humidity levels and add appropriate levels of moisture in the air. In the Fall and Winter, colder air holds less moisture, leaving air feeling dry. Dry air can lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses and throat, itchy eyes, and overall discomfort. Dry air can also contribute to shrinking in hardwood planks and caulk joints in your home. Check that your humidifier is clean and clear of clogs. In addition, change the water panel in the humidifier so it can offer the relief it’s supposed to.

• Use Ceiling Fans: If you have ceiling fans, use them! It will allow you to raise your thermostat temperature and keep a consistent, comfortable temperature. Ceiling fans also save on energy costs. The less you use your air conditioner, the less energy it expends, and the less you have to pay. Turn them on in the autumn and winter, too, to evenly distribute warm air.

• Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check: The best way to ensure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape for Fall is to get a professional inspection and/or repair. Certified SMART technicians know what to look for and expect for the upcoming season and are able to give recommendations easier because they are looking at the system in person. They individually inspect each component to identify both opportunities and threats to your system, saving you money by preventing more significant repairs down the line.