If this is your first year owning a home, you may not yet be familiar with all the seasonal upkeep you need to take care of. For example, your HVAC requires certain maintenance each season to ensure efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Follow this checklist in the fall to avoid emergency heating repair come winter.

HVAC Upkeep Tips for Fall

1. Replace the Filter

Your HVAC filter sifts dust, pollen, and debris from the air, keeping it out of your home. However, this filter gets full over time, making it less able to do its job. A dirty filter will exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms and result in less efficient heating and cooling, so be sure to replace this part before winter kicks in. Also, wipe down the vents that control airflow into individual rooms of the house, as dust can collect there too.

2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

If you have central heating, the main unit is likely located in your yard. While this system is built to withstand the weather, loose items can get through the grate and interfere with the equipment, such as the fan blade's movement. To prevent this, clear away leaves, sticks, and other debris that may pile up in the fall.

3. Program the Thermostat

A programmable thermostat saves on HVAC costs by avoiding excessive heating and cooling. For example, in the fall, the mornings and evenings are typically chilly, while temperatures rise midday. You can program a thermostat to keep the heat off during the day when you're at work and it's warm, and kick back on shortly before you get home at night. This way, you don't have to heat your home all day to come back to a comfortable climate.

4. Schedule Maintenance

To avoid dealing with emergency heating repairs in the winter, schedule a professional HVAC inspection in the fall. A technician can clean the burner and heat exchanger, inspect the vents to ensure they're free of obstructions, and check your furnace for leaks and other potential problems. If needed, preventative repairs can then help avoid a breakdown.

For seasonal air conditioner and heating repairs in Erie, PA, call Preece Heating & Cooling. This family-owned and -operated HVAC contractor offers reliable, honest services. They aim to give their customers cost-efficient solutions and also offer financing to make their services more affordable. Visit their website to learn more about this option, and call (814) 704-4202 for an estimate.