How To Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall

As the cool air of autumn begins settling in around Cape May, it is time to prepare for apple picking, pumpkin carving… and preparing your heater for colder weather!

A well-tuned heating system can help keep energy bills low, extend the life of your system, and ensure a toasty home when you need it most.

Scheduling timely fall HVAC maintenance is like warming up before a big game—it ensures everything is running smoothly before the cold season kicks off.

From cleaning and lubricating the motor to inspecting all the components, our expert technicians are here to help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.

So, why wait for the first frost? Schedule your fall maintenance with Comfort Now today and enjoy a warm, worry-free season!

General Heating System Maintenance

Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, boiler, or other heating system, a little preparation now can prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need your heating the most.

Here’s a simple guide on maintenance tasks your heating system needs during fall weather along the South Jersey Shore.

• Test Your Heater Early
  Don’t wait for the first chilly day to discover that your heater isn’t working. Turn your heater on early in the fall to test it. Let it run for a while to ensure it heats up properly, listen for any strange noises, and check for unusual smells.
  
  If something seems off, it’s better to address it now than to be left without heat during an unexpected cold snap.

• Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection
  Before the cooler temperatures really set in, it’s important to have a professional HVAC technician perform a routine inspection and tune-up.
  
  A Comfort Now technician will thoroughly inspect your system for potential issues, clean essential components, and ensure your heater is running efficiently.

• Seal Drafts and Insulate
  Caulk and seal windows and doors around your Cape May, home to help eliminate drafts. Sealing these drafts with weatherstripping or caulk will not only keep your home warmer but also reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
  
  Proper insulation also plays a critical role in maintaining a comfortable temperature and improving energy efficiency.

• Consider an HVAC Upgrade
  If your heating system is over 10 to 15 years old, fall might be the right time to consider an upgrade, particularly since it is a quiet time before the winter HVAC repair rush.
  
  Newer systems are more efficient, providing better heating and cooling with less energy consumption. Qualifying systems may provide you with federal tax credits and other incentives. Comfort Now offers heating installation services in and around Cape May.

• Check Your Thermostat
  Fall is the perfect time to reassess your thermostat settings. As the weather cools, you’ll want to adjust the temperature to ensure comfort without overworking your heating system. Consider setting your thermostat a few degrees cooler at night or when you’re not at home to conserve energy.
  
  Better yet, if you haven’t already, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can help you optimize energy usage automatically.

Furnace or Heat Pump Maintenance

Here are a few important maintenance tasks specific to heating systems consisting of a furnace or heat pump to perform in the fall:

• Clear Around Your Outdoor Unit: Be sure to leave a two-foot clearance space around your outdoor unit. Clear away any leaves, twigs, or debris that may have gathered around it during the summer. Your system needs adequate airflow to function efficiently, and any blockages can cause strain.

• Have Coils Cleaned: Dust, dirt, and debris will eventually accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, reducing airflow and impairing heat exchange. This can force your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and leading to higher utility bills.

• Clean Vents and Ducts: Fall is a great time to schedule duct cleaning and remove dust and debris that may have accumulated over the summer. Dirty or blocked vents can decrease the efficiency of your system and cause uneven heating throughout your home.

Having Comfort Now check these tasks off will help your furnace or heat pump operate more efficiently and reliably throughout the colder months.

Boiler Maintenance Tips

Here are three essential boiler maintenance tasks to perform in the fall:

• Inspect and Clean the Boiler: Comfort Now will check for any signs of wear or damage and clean the burners and combustion chamber to ensure efficient operation. Our techs also know that dust and debris can impact the boiler’s performance, so they’ll vacuum away any buildup around the unit.
  
  
• Check the Pressure and Water Levels: Ensure the pressure gauge reads within the recommended range, typically between 1 and 2 bar for residential systems. Also, check the water levels in the system and top them off if necessary.
  
  
• Test Safety Controls and Alarms: An HVAC professional should test the pressure relief valve and other safety controls to make sure they are functioning properly and ensure any alarms or alert systems are working to warn you of potential issues.

Performing these tasks will help ensure your boiler operates efficiently and safely throughout the winter months.

Radiant Floor Heating Maintenance

If you have radiant floor heating, these maintenance tasks should be performed seasonally:

• Inspect the System for Leaks: Check all visible pipes and connections for signs of leaks or damage. Look for water stains or damp areas, which can indicate a problem. Address any leaks immediately by contacting Comfort Now to prevent further issues.
  
  
• Flush the System: If you have a hydronic radiant floor heating system, consider scheduling Comfort Now to flush the system and remove any sediment or buildup in the pipes. This helps maintain efficiency and ensures even heating throughout your home.
  
  
• Check the Thermostat and Controls: Test the thermostat to ensure it functions properly. Calibrate it if necessary, and check that all controls are responsive. If your system is connected to a smart home system, verify it is connected and working correctly.

Regular maintenance of your radiant floor heating system will enhance its efficiency and longevity, ensuring comfortable temperatures throughout the colder months.

Get Comfort Now

Preparing your heating system during the fall season is essential to ensure it runs efficiently and reliably throughout the year’s colder months in Cape May. From simple tasks like checking the thermostat settings to maintenance tasks that need a professional touch, scheduling a heater inspection can save you from costly repairs and discomfort later.

At Comfort Now, we’re here to help with all your heating maintenance and installation needs. Contact us today at 609-493-0994 or request service online to schedule your fall HVAC tune-up and ensure your system is ready for whatever the end of the year brings!