Late August’s sudden heat wave probably had very few of us in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL) thinking about getting ready for fall. To the contrary, our AC was likely in a full march helping to ward off the heat index.
Even with that sweltering pass-through and a few more weeks of summer warmth to go, now is still the optimal time to start preparing our homes for comfort in fall. A leading goal at Air Dynamics is to help our HVAC customers be informed, proactive consumers who use their home’s energy and ventilation systems in the best ways for the least cost.
In the spirit of that objective, each year around this time we like to get our customers in a fall frame of mind for a seamless transition to home heating with the fewest hiccups and the lowest energy bills.
The following are some simple steps you can start taking now for the changeover that will keep the fall chill consistently outside.
Fall Furnace Maintenance: Annual Inspection & Cleaning
Because we’re human, our tendency more often is to attend to our furnace when there’s a noticeable problem or it simply stops working. In that case, attention is of course necessary, but it’s also usually more expensive and sometimes not as easy to schedule because of the customer queue that grows as the heating season continues.
Scheduling your fall furnace inspection and tune-up with Air Dynamics now will ensure your system is good to go from top to bottom before you need it to serve at full capacity.
Just a few important maintenance steps we take for your greater heating-system performance include:
inspecting the air filter. Old, clogged or dirty filters will block proper airflow, which can create other problems throughout the system. Because out of sight often means out of mind, It’s easy for many of us to forget about the filter, sometimes for months. If you haven’t already checked the filter and, if needed, replaced it, your annual maintenance will cover that step.
checking the air ducts. Dirty ducts also can restrict the airflow, as well as add impurities to the air that you’re breathing. During fall maintenance an Air Dynamics professional will look for any issues that could be forming in the ducts. We also offer a whole-house duct-cleaning service for thorough removal of deeper debris such as dust mites, pet dander and pollen particles.
testing thermostat settings. We will verify your thermostat is functioning properly so it will be ready when you set it to your desired temperature in fall. If you are interested, we also can discuss possible thermostat upgrades such as smart units for even greater control of your system.
Fall Furnace Maintenance: Beyond Your Immediate Benefits
In addition to the obvious benefits of proper heating at home during fall, your fall furnace maintenance contributes to:
longer system lifespan. Annual maintenance can help extend your unit’s length of performance, which is desirable as system-replacement costs continue to rise.
greater energy efficiency. A well-maintained furnace will operate at its peak efficiency, which really matters when it is in constant use in fall and even more so in winter. Maintenance steps such as cleaning the burner and adjusting the airflow can optimize the fuel-to-heat conversion that’s vital for thorough, consistent home heating.
proper safety precautions. Fall inspections can detect potential safety hazards such as gas or carbon monoxide leaks. A properly maintained furnace will ensure the gases remain safely vented outside.
enhanced indoor-air quality. If you regularly partner with Air Dynamics for optimal HVAC, you know how we feel about the quality of your indoor air. In addition to checking the air filter and noting any possible air-quality concerns, we can discuss different ways to significantly raise the quality of the air you live in and breathe.
active warranty. Many furnace manufacturers often require proper maintenance as a condition of a system warranty. You can help to keep your coverage active simply by scheduling your annual furnace inspection.
Your Air Dynamics professional also will clean the furnace, check all moving parts and electrical connections, and lubricate any components as needed.
Fall Furnace Maintenance: Smart Do-It-Yourself Steps
As a proactive homeowner in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield , you can also perform a few steps of your own that will reinforce the performance of your properly maintained furnace.
In tandem with your fall maintenance, you can consider the following to further support your home’s heating efficiency.
Seal air leaks. You can prevent drafts and heat loss that can oppose efficient heating by sealing leaks around doors, windows and ductwork. Weatherstripping, caulking or insulation can help close off any gaps or cracks to keep more warmed air inside.
Increase insulation. Like good sealing, proper insulation in your attic, walls and crawl space and around your windows helps retain warmth for efficient heating. Consider adding insulation where useful to prevent heat transfer and reduce the workload on your furnace. If you have questions about insulation, simply ask us at Air Dynamics!
Use ceiling fans. Running your ceiling fan in reverse mode (clockwise) helps push warm air downwards and improve heat distribution in your space. By running the fan in reverse during fall and winter, the warm air that rises to the ceiling will be pushed down, keeping you comfortable and reducing a full dependency on your furnace.
Check the condensation drain. If your system is a high-efficiency furnace or is a full HVAC system that includes air conditioning, it will have a condensation drain. This drain can get clogged, leading to water damage and higher humidity levels. Check and clear any blockages.
Inspect and clean the chimney. If you have a chimney, make sure that it doesn’t have built-up soot and that birds aren’t nesting in it. This will support heating efficiency and fire prevention while ensuring carbon monoxide can safely escape.
Check air vents. Air vents should be open and unobstructed, including in rooms not being used or occupied. Blocked air vents will make the system work harder and increase its operating temperature.
Clean around the furnace. Because of where they are often located, furnaces can sometimes become surrounded by items such as boxes. Ensure that nothing flammable is near the furnace before you turn it on for the fall. A clean and clear area offers better access for maintenance too.
As a safe and conscientious homeowner, you can also:
winterize your air conditioner. Once you know it will be shut down for the season, cover the outdoor unit to protect it from the next several months of rain and snow, as well as from objects and debris and any animals seeking shelter.
test your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. In addition to a furnace inspection and cleaning, having properly operating detectors and alarms provides an important extra layer of home safety.
Here for Your Indoor Comfort This Fall: Contact Us Today
At Air Dynamics, it is our privilege and joy to help you stay warm and comfortable while saving more money and energy when the temperatures start to dip in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield (IL). To ask any questions about your home’s furnace to schedule your seasonal maintenance, just give us a call at (630) 731-1550!
