As the temperatures drop, you’ll start relying more and more on your home’s HVAC system. Fall is the perfect time to start paying a bit more attention to your HVAC maintenance routine so you can address any issues before it gets too cold. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly breakdowns and ensure that you have heat when you need it most. Here are a few simple maintenance tips to keep your heating system in working condition this season. 

What HVAC Maintenance Should You Perform Before Winter?

1. Change the Filters

HVAC systems bring air from the outside into the house. This process helps keep the air inside fresh, but it also introduces contaminants, dirt, and debris into the home. Much of this debris is caught by standard air filters but once those filters get dirty, the system has to work harder to heat or cool the house. Before cranking up the furnace, change the air filters. This will help keep energy costs as low as possible while also reducing the wear and tear the unit sees during heavy use. For best results, inspect the filters once a month and change them once every three months throughout the year.

2. Inspect the Air Vents

During the summer, it’s easy to forget about the heat vents in your home. However, if they’re blocked or covered in dust, the heater won’t be able to warm the room as efficiently. Before the cold weather hits, inspect your air vents. Wipe the dust away with a microfiber cloth and move furniture, rugs, and floor coverings away from the vents. This way, the heat will spread throughout the room when the system turns on.

3. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a broken furnace right when the weather starts to turn. Schedule a preventative HVAC maintenance inspection and let a professional tune-up your unit before the first snow falls. Remember, even minor issues can become major problems when left unrepaired. By fixing issues early on, you’ll save money on repairs and keep your unit working for many years to come.

Do you need to schedule a tune-up for your furnace before the temperatures drop? Contact the team at Malone Heating & Air in Chattanooga, TN. Their experienced HVAC repair contractors have helped residents heat and cool their homes since 1980. Whether you’re worried about standard HVAC maintenance and tune-ups or have a heating emergency in the middle of the night, they’re just a phone call away. Learn more about their maintenance plans online and call (706) 259-9333 to schedule an appointment today.