While crisp air signals the end of summer, it also indicates that it's time to get your HVAC system ready for the cold months ahead. With a little upkeep, your furnace will work hard to keep your home warm and cozy once the temperature drops outside. Both your family and your wallet will thank you for following these simple steps.

Do:

Install new filters.

A fresh air filter is more effective at catching dust and allergens flowing through your vents. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, these particles could wreak havoc on their respiratory system. It's a good rule of thumb to change your filters every few months, and when the weather turns.

Get a furnace tune-up.

A professional check-up for your furnace will ensure efficiency during the cold months. It's especially beneficial for older HVAC models since the technician can tighten and replace any old wires and faulty connections. The early winter months are also known for deals on in-home furnace tune-ups, making this the best time of year for this service.

Replace Your Humidifier Water Panel

During heating season the air in your home is dried out. To ensure that your humidifier is efficiently adding clean moisture into your home it is a good idea to change the water panel right before you turn on your heat. Also take time to check the humidifier’s drain line so excess water goes down your drain instead of on your floor or furnace. 

Don’t:

Leave your thermostat on the summer setting.

If you allow your thermostat to stay at the same configuration when the temperature drops, you'll cause unnecessary HVAC activation that can affect your utility bills. School is in session, which means fewer people are in the house throughout the day, so adjust the temperature or invest in a smart thermostat.

Neglect debris around your air conditioner.

Weeds and leaves will gather around your AC unit throughout the fall and provide a comfortable gathering spot for insects and other pests. When your system kicks on, that leftover debris can turn into an efficiency reducer. Check your air conditioner on occasion and clean the area around the condensing unit. This is especially important to do at the beginning of the cooling season, but can be done throughout the heating season as well.

Its a good thing to clean your gutters before the snow comes as well. This will help make sure melting snow travels safely down the downspouts and doesn’t cause ice damning to fall off the home potentially damaging your air conditioner.

Prepare your HVAC system for the cold winter months with help from the professionals at Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing in Lincoln, NE. With over 60 years of experience, their expert staff is equipped to handle a variety of projects and issues. Visit their website for a look at their specials or call (402) 467-1111 for an estimate.