The fall season is a time of changing leaves, cooling breezes, and cozy evenings at home. Of course, the season is a lot more enjoyable when you know you can count on your HVAC system to keep your space comfortable throughout the colder months. In this quick guide, we’re going over the top fall HVAC maintenance tips for homeowners in Macon, GA, including info on why it’s important, how you can tune up your system yourself, and when it’s time to get a little help from the professionals. Let’s take a look!
Why Fall HVAC Maintenance Matters
By prioritizing HVAC fall maintenance, you ensure your heating system is ready to keep your home cozy and warm on those chilly October nights and frigid December mornings. Beyond keeping your home at the right temperature, fall is a great time for HVAC maintenance for a few reasons.
By tuning up your system before you use it daily, you’ll ensure everything is in good condition, reducing the odds of a problem and extending your HVAC system’s lifespan. It’s also a good way to spot minor issues before they become big ones down the line, letting you get ahead of pilot light issues, energy inefficiency, or poor heating performance.
DIY Steps for HVAC Fall Maintenance
Though winters are short in Macon, the temperatures still dip to below freezing for several months out of the year. To protect yourself from heater problems when you least expect them, follow these simple DIY heater maintenance tips during the autumn season.
Check the Air Filter
One of the simplest, most beneficial things you can do to maintain your heating system is to regularly check and replace your air filter. These protect your system from dust and debris in the air, but they get clogged over time. If you continue to run a system with a clogged filter, you risk damaging components or even a full HVAC shutdown. We suggest changing filters every 2 to 3 months, or according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
If you heat your home with a heat pump instead of a furnace, it’s important to double-check the outdoor unit to make sure it’s clean and clear of any debris. This ensures the system can intake and ventilate air normally, which will ease the strain on your system and reduce the odds of a heating shutdown later.
Check Thermostat
Your thermostat is essential for keeping your home comfortable while keeping energy bills under control. We recommend optimizing your settings for winter, 70ºF while at home, 62ºF while out or sleeping, and adjusting by one degree until it’s just right. Better yet, consider investing in a smart thermostat for enhanced control and efficiency.
Clean Air Duct Registers
Your central heating system can only do its job if the heated air can actually enter the home via ducts. Take a walk through the house and make sure the vents are free of dust and aren’t blocked by furniture or other obstructions.
Practice Heater Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of residential fires. Prioritize your household’s safety this winter by ensuring your house is ready to heat safely. Keep any flammable items at least three feet away from furnaces and other heat sources, keep your ducts and vents free of dust, and pay careful attention to any smoky or burning smells when running your heater.
Check Furnace Flue
Many furnaces have an exhaust known as a flue pipe, usually found on the exterior of your home. If this gets clogged, you run the risk of a dangerous backdraft, allowing hazardous carbon monoxide to enter your home. Inspect the flue for any signs of a blockage, and call a pro to remove it if you suspect a problem.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Lastly, make sure you’re protected this winter by checking that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are all in working order. These devices can save your life in the event of an emergency with your furnace, ensuring you’re safe from fires or hazardous gases.
Professional HVAC Fall Tune-Up Checklist
While the above steps are a great start for homeowners getting their HVAC systems ready for winter, no HVAC fall tune-up would be complete without a little help from the professionals. HVAC technicians use advanced tools and knowledge to provide thorough inspections and maintenance for your heater, tackling such tasks as:
- Inspecting and changing air filters
- Calibrating and testing the thermostat
- Cleaning the furnace blower motor and other components
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for any signs of damage or leaks
- Lubricating fans and other moving parts for smooth operation
- Checking furnace ignition system and/or pilot light for issues
- Inspecting, tightening, and repairing electrical connections
- Checking ductwork and sealing any leaking or damaged sections
- Inspecting the overall condition of the furnace, looking at energy efficiency, safety, and heating performance
Common Issues Found During Fall HVAC Maintenance in Macon, GA
Macon homeowners regularly work with Ricky Heath HVAC techs to get maintenance, tune-ups, inspections, and repairs on their HVAC systems in the fall months. Here are some of the most common issues we uncover during these service appointments:
- Poor heating: A furnace not reaching the set temperature may be a sign of blocked airflow, failing components, or electrical issues.
- Loose or broken components: This problem often presents as loud banging, scraping, or grinding noises. Strange noises from HVAC systems require immediate attention from a professional.
- Thermostat issues: If your furnace is short-cycling or failing to heat your home, the thermostat might simply need to be recalibrated or replaced. We can also help you diagnose and repair issues causing furnace error codes on the thermostat.
- Ignition problems: Both pilot lights and electrical igniters can malfunction on heaters, preventing the unit from working properly (or at all). We’ll inspect the assembly and either repair or replace it.
- Inefficiency: A malfunctioning or poorly-maintained thermostat will cost more to operate while shortening the lifespan of the system.
Why Choose a Professional HVAC Fall Tune-Up in Macon?
By working with the pros at Ricky Heath for your fall HVAC maintenance, you don’t just get access to our extensive toolkit, decades of experience, and outstanding professional service. We take our time with these inspections, looking at every part of the system to understand its overall condition, all in a matter of hours.
From here, we’ll provide tips for future maintenance, possible repairs, or even our recommendations for HVAC replacement, all to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible when winter arrives. We’re proud to offer our services across the Macon area, as well as in nearby Perry and Warner Robins, helping keep homeowners safe, comfortable, and stress-free all year long.
Be Winter-Ready with Ricky Heath
Whether you know exactly what’s wrong with your heater, aren’t sure what the issue is, or simply want the peace of mind of a professional HVAC inspection this fall, the Ricky Heath team is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to keeping you comfortable through even the coldest Georgia winters, we’re your top choice for all things HVAC this fall and beyond. Contact us today to schedule your fall HVAC service appointment!
