Fall is certainly in the air and as the season changes, so does our need for a efficiently working furnace.  As you prepare for impending colder weather, keep in mind these 6 Fall Maintenance Tips for your HVAC system.

1. Cleaning: Because you won’t be using your AC during the next few months, now is a great time to clean up around your outside AC unit in preparation of winter to prevent rodent nests, debris/leaf build-up and insects. As the nights get colder, some critters may attempt to make your outdoor unit their new home (yuck), so keeping that area clean will deter those attempts.
2. Change your Filter: Now that the summer season is over, as well as the fires that have plagued Northern California in recent years, it’s a good idea to perform a seasonal change of your intake filter. Fall brings wind and pollen distribution that can affect you all winter long if your filter is dirty, so if it’s been a while since you’ve changed it, it’s definitely time to swap out that filter.
3. Clean Vents: It’s important to check your vents for dust and debris collected throughout the year. That dust build up can cause loss of heat and efficiency if not properly maintained.
4. Thermostat: Test your thermostat to make sure that it is working well and properly displays the accurate temperature.  If you have a dual thermostat, make sure that both are switched to heat with similar settings.  Having one thermostat set to heat and one still accidently set to cool can cause the system to malfunction.
5. Check for air leaks around doors and windows: The summer heat can breakdown window weather stripping over time. When this happens, you can experience heat loss through breaks in door casings or windows, costing you money over time.  If there is a gap between your outside door and the floor, consider buying a weather strip that attaches to the bottom of your door to help maintain temperature inside.  You can get these from your favorite home improvement store.
6. Schedule Fall Maintenance: Now is time to call Bob’s Air Repair for maintenance! Our experienced technicians will check your ducts and unit for potential issues.  We also offer a Preseason Maintenance package for only $99.