With fall in full swing, your heating system is returning to its starring role in your home. Naturally, it’s the ideal time to ensure it’s ready for the demands of the winter ahead. A little routine maintenance is typically all that's necessary for the system to work at its most efficient and for you to stay on top of any issues that could impact its performance. Scheduling a tuneup is highly recommended, but in the meantime, here are three essential tasks to include in your fall checklist.

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Fall

1. Clean the Vents

Check all the vents in your home and make sure they’re free of dirt and dust accumulation. Throughout the summer months, the slats in vents attract a considerable amount of dust, dirt, and dander, and even a small amount of buildup can result in a loss of energy efficiency for your heating system.

With dusty vents, the system will have to work harder to produce the same amount of heat—and leave you with higher heating costs in the process. Wipe down all vents with a soft cloth or vacuum them with an attachment like a dusting tool or an extension wand.

2. Change the Air Filter

A dirty air filter is another common cause of decreased energy efficiency. When an HVAC system is forced to work harder to generate heat, there will be wear and tear on the unit that can lead to repair issues and breakdowns as well.

Open the access panel of the unit, and either vacuum off the air filter or replace it entirely with a new one. Most modern systems recommend replacement.

3. Clear Debris From the Air Conditioner

Fall is also the time to shut down the outdoor unit of your central AC and prepare it for its long winter nap. Clear away all leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris that may have gotten stuck in the AC over the summer as well as those that have gathered around the unit.

Over the winter, more debris will naturally accumulate in these areas, so keeping it as clear as possible now will help prevent an even bigger mess to clean up come spring.

A professional inspection of your heating and cooling system should also be a part of your fall HVAC maintenance tasks. Silver Tree Plumbing & Heating, LLC is here to help. With more than a century of combined experience, their HVAC professionals serve property owners throughout the Dakota County, MN, region. They offer HVAC services, plumbing repairs, air quality testing, and much more. Call (651) 319-4200 or visit them online to schedule your fall inspection.