Heating and Furnace Tips for Fall in Utah

It’s hard to believe that summer will soon come to an end. Fall is just around the corner with winter not far behind. It’s time to start thinking about packing up the summer stuff and getting your house ready for a chill in the air, buttoning up the summer air conditioning system and prepping the furnace for its job ahead. Here are 6 heating tips you should apply in September and early October to finish off summer and prepare for winter.

Regular air conditioning and heater maintenance in the fall is crucial to ensure your system is running well. To get the most from your heating and cooling system, remember to perform these tasks before the real cold snap sets in and you need to rely on your furnace. This is why it’s important to have a furnace tune-up checklist that you can go through each fall. It’s also recommended to have a professional clean and service your system(s) twice annually, to avoid costly repairs when preventative maintenance would have helped.

Here are some easy fall and winter Utah heating tips for performing a quick furnace tune-up on your unit to ensure it is working properly.

Items to include on your furnace tune-up checklist:

1. Replace Air Filters

If the air filter in your heating unit is dirty, it will prevent air from flowing freely through the system. An ideal time to check and replace them when necessary is before the winter weather arrives. When you inspect the air filter, look for signs of buildup of dirt or dust on the filter. Even if there is minimal buildup in your air filter, it’s a good idea to clean the filter. It’s an even better idea to simply replace the filter. This small maintenance tip will ensure your unit is running efficiently. Air filters should be replaced or cleaned often; we recommend that you check them with every new season’s arrival. Air filters are cheap and take no more than 5-10 minutes to replace. This is the number one easiest tip for maintaining a healthy Utah heating unit, and healthy air quality in your home.

2. Clean Your Outdoor Unit

The beautiful falling leaves during autumn may be pretty, but they can also be hazardous for your unit. These leaves can get lodged in your outdoor unit, where they may become a possible fire hazard. Pollen, dust, dirt and twigs may also accumulate. Keeping your outdoor unit free of debris will almost certainly save you repair costs in the long run.

3. Check Your Thermostat

Testing your thermostat is another good way to ensure that your heating and cool system is not being overworked. If your thermostat responds properly and displays an accurate temperature reading, then it is functioning properly. If you have a programmable thermostat, the end of summer is a good time to review the settings you have programmed to be sure they are appropriate for the change in weather. 

Consider installing a smart thermostat in your home. The right temperature inside a home depends largely on who is there at the time, and when no one is in the home, the right temperature can be significantly lower than a conventional “living area” temperature. Many homeowners however fail to adjust their thermostats when they leave their home because it’s too much work, they forget, or they don’t want to return to a cold home. Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone or computer and heat the house up just before you arrive home, saving on energy costs by making your indoor temperature as efficient as possible.

4. Prevent any Clogging or Buildup in the Condensate Drain Line

A clog in the condensate drain line can be particularly bad for your heating and cooling system. If you know how to access your condensate drain line, you can pour a solution of bleach and water through the line to help prevent clogs from forming. However, if you are concerned that you may already have a block in the condensate drain line, contact an HVAC professional for a service appointment. Again, regular professional maintenance will usually prevent these drains from clogging.

5. Schedule Maintenance

As helpful as routine heating and cooling maintenance can be, a professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your system and address any issues. Regular, professional maintenance may extend the life of your unit and may keep your energy costs low. Call Mechanical Air to schedule a professional to check your system today.

6. Check for Any Drafty Spots In Your Home

While this doesn’t require you to physically check your unit, this is still an important thing to keep in mind. If the doors and windows in your home are letting in drafts, your unit will have to work twice as hard to warm your home. However, if you can locate any problem areas before the cold weather hits, you can seal them up to prevent cold air drafts which will allow your unit to function better, especially in Utah.

The days are getting shorter, which means summer is almost over and fall will be here before you know it.  Before the cold weather sets in, make sure your Utah heating and cooling system is running properly. Stay warm and save money this winter!

Schedule your furnace tune-up today!