While there are quite a few home maintenance tasks you need to do before fall arrives, such as lawn care, it’s crucial to pay attention to your heating and cooling system. If you don’t take care of your HVAC unit before the cold weather arrives, you’ll likely have difficulties shifting from air conditioner to heater use. To make the transition as smooth as possible, here’s what you need to do.

How to Get Your Heating & Cooling System Ready for the Fall

1. Clean Everything Connected to the Unit

Make sure the registers and vent covers are free of dust so that air can flow easily. Wiping them down with a clean cloth should suffice, but if there are stubborn clumps of dirt, use the brush attachment of your vacuum for a deeper clean.

Don’t forget about the outdoor unit as well. As the season progresses and the leaves fall, make sure to rake them up so that there is clearance around the outdoor unit and nothing piles up inside.

2. Change Air Filters

When you have clogged, dirty air filters, your heating and cooling unit will have to work more frequently to push air through the system. Not only will this cause a spike in your utility bills, but it can also make your system overheat.

Dirty filters also compromise the indoor air quality. If you live alone and don’t have any allergies, you may only need to change the filter once this season. However, if you have a big household, pets, or respiratory concerns, you may be better off replacing it every month.

3. Check for Damages

Finally, be proactive about any bizarre noises, strange smells, or broken pieces you see around your heating and cooling units. For example, rattling or clanging often signals a loose component, while a musty smell is often linked to moisture issues in the ducts. This could lead to mold growth, which is detrimental to your health. 

When your HVAC system needs to be repaired, maintained, or replaced, you can rely on Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning. For more than 45 years, this family-owned and -operated company has served residents and businesses throughout the Akron and Canton, OH, areas. You can see all the heating and cooling services they offer on their website. Call (330) 644-7811 to request a service.