5 Tips to Minimize Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System During Fall

If you live in the Midwest, you’re all too familiar with extreme heat, cold, and humidity. However, there are a few stretches of the year, typically late spring and early fall, when mild temperatures settle in for a few glorious but fleeting weeks.

During fall, homeowners often enjoy lower energy bills as HVAC systems don’t have to run constantly to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. In addition, autumn is the ideal time to prepare your system for the upcoming colder months. This article covers five tips that can help everyone reduce wear and tear on their system before winter arrives.  

Change the Air Filter Regularly

Oil changes are quick and affordable, but they’re also one of the most critical aspects of car maintenance. Similarly, swapping out a dirty air filter is easy and inexpensive and can significantly improve your system’s overall performance and efficiency. Perhaps it’s an “out of sight, out of mind” situation, but unlike oil changes, many homeowners neglect this simple maintenance task or put it off for far too long.

A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and increasing energy consumption. Aim to check your filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter you have. This simple protocol will help your system operate more efficiently and prolong its life. You’ll also have cleaner, healthier air circulating through your home.

Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check

Crisp and comfortable fall temperatures are magical, but they don’t last long.  Eventually, overnight lows will fall into the 30s, and you’ll have no choice but to turn the heat on for the next few months.

Before the heavy heating season begins, it’s prudent to schedule a professional HVAC maintenance check, especially if an expert hasn’t looked over your system earlier in the year.

An experienced technician can identify potential issues, clean vital components, make necessary repairs, and ensure everything functions correctly. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and optimizes your system’s efficiency, saving you money on energy bills. Additionally, you’ll be confident that your system will operate safely throughout the winter!

Open the Windows

There’s no better way to minimize wear and tear on your HVAC system than by giving it a break! Take advantage of the fall weather by opening windows and letting outdoor air flow through your home.

By allowing fresh air to circulate, you reduce the need for your system to constantly work to maintain temperature and humidity levels, thus decreasing the strain on its components. This break from operation helps prolong your HVAC system’s lifespan and lowers energy consumption. Additionally, regular ventilation can help prevent IAQ (indoor air quality) issues like mold growth and stale air, ensuring a healthier living environment. Overall, this simple strategy can lead to system longevity and enhanced comfort.

Utilize Programmable Thermostats

Programmable, or “smart,” thermostats are a game-changer for homeowners. Not only can you optimize your heating schedule to correspond to your daily activities (for example, lowering the heat when you’re at work or away for the weekend), but smart thermostats also help give your HVAC system a break.

Setting specific temperatures for different times of the day prevents unnecessary heating (or cooling) when you’re not home. This simple measure reduces the workload on your system and can lead to substantial energy savings over time.

Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

Whether it’s old windows or poorly insulated doors, drafts can wreak havoc on your home’s indoor comfort and overall energy efficiency.

Poor insulation causes your HVAC system to work overtime, leading to increased and unnecessary wear and tear. To ensure you’re covering all the gaps that let cold air seep in, inspect windows, doors, and other areas where air may escape, and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk.

Lastly, consider adding insulation to attics or basements to keep your home more energy-efficient and comfortable, even on the hottest and coldest days of the year.  

Contact Hoock’s to Upgrade Your Home’s Comfort and Efficiency

Proactively caring for your HVAC system during the fall can significantly reduce wear and tear, ensuring that it remains efficient and reliable throughout the coldest months of the year. But even the most diligent homeowners need a trusted HVAC partner to optimize their system’s performance.

The expert technicians at Hoock’s Heating and Cooling have the training and experience necessary to provide you and your family with total confidence in your HVAC system throughout the year. Call us at (636) 266-2187 or get in touch online to schedule your routine maintenance appointment in the St. Louis area today.