As the air cools along the Front Range and the leaves begin to change, homeowners in Westminster, Colorado know that fall is more than just a time for pumpkin patches and crisp evenings.
It’s also the season to prepare your home for the demands of the upcoming winter, and an efficient, reliable HVAC system is 100% crucial when major snowstorms hit and temperatures inevitably plummet.
Here at Apex Clean Air, our award-winning HVAC specialists fully understand why fall is the perfect time to schedule your preventative maintenance appointments, which is why we’re providing some practical fall maintenance tips from an HVAC contractor in Westminster, Colorado that’ll keep your system running smoothly all season long!
Schedule A Professional HVAC System Inspection
One of the most important steps in seasonal HVAC care is booking a professional tune-up.
Our licensed contractors can easily identify small issues long before they turn into more expensive repairs, and during a fall inspection, our technicians will do the following:
- Check and tighten electrical connections
- Clean and inspect burners and heat exchangers
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test thermostat calibration
- Measure airflow and system efficiency
In Westminster’s variable climate where a 70-degree afternoon can quickly turn into a freezing night, having your home’s HVAC system in peak condition goes a long way to ensure consistent indoor comfort!
Replace Or Clean Your Air Filters
Air filters play a bigger role in home comfort than many Colorado homeowners realize.
A clogged filter can quickly restrict your HVAC system’s airflow, which then forces your entire system to work a lot harder than it’s actually supposed to. This quickly lowers your home’s indoor air quality, and in the fall season, allergens like ragweed and dust from leaves can accumulate quickly.
Most contractors recommend replacing disposable filters every 1–3 months or cleaning reusable filters at the same interval, and this simple maintenance step can reduce the overall strain on your furnace and lower your energy bills this winter!
Inspect & Clean Ductwork
Your ducts are the pathways that deliver warm air throughout your home, and they undoubtedly need attention during the fall season as well.
Leaks or blockages in your ductwork can drastically reduce efficiency by up to 30%, and the fall months like September and October are an excellent time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning appointment with our renowned specialists.
Our Westminster-based HVAC contractors will test for leaks, seal gaps, and remove dust, pollen or pet dander that can circulate through your home all winter long. When it comes down to it, clean ducts mean cleaner air, as well as an HVAC system that doesn’t waste energy!
Test Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. Before winter sets in, be sure to test your thermostat to ensure that it’s working properly.
You can also program your HVAC system’s thermostat for fall and winter efficiency, which can include common examples like lowering temperatures at night or while you’re away from home.
If your thermostat is outdated, you should also consider upgrading to a smart model. Smart thermostats are capable of learning your household’s unique preferences, and they also allow for remote control directly from your phone—which can save significant energy over the course of a cold Westminster winter!
Clear Around Outdoor Units
If you have a heat pump or central AC system, your outdoor unit requires clear airflow to function properly.
Falling leaves, dirt and debris can quickly collect around your outdoor unit during autumn, which is why you should keep at least two feet of clearance on all sides and gently rinse off the unit with a garden hose if it’s dirty.
Since winters in Colorado bring heavy snow, you should also be sure to think ahead about snow accumulation!
Check Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Many Westminster homes rely on natural gas furnaces for heating, and while safe when properly maintained, gas furnace systems can potentially pose risks if carbon monoxide leaks occur.
As part of your fall maintenance routine, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
This step is especially critical because homes are sealed up tightly during the winter, which can allow gases to build up unnoticed!
Seal Drafts & Improve Insulation
Your HVAC system works best when your home is energy efficient, and fall just so happens to be the best time to check for drafts around doors, windows and attic spaces.
Sealing leaks with weatherstripping or caulk helps your furnace operate more efficiently, and this is mainly because it keeps warm air inside.
Improving your home’s insulation, particularly in your attic, can also help balance temperatures and reduce your system’s workload. This is why our qualified HVAC contractors in Westminster will always be sure to recommend additional steps that significantly boost your home’s efficiency.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Many homeowners put off HVAC maintenance until a problem arises, which often occurs on the coldest day of the year.
Unfortunately, that’s typically when our contractors’ schedules are already full, and emergency repairs can inevitably be more expensive due to extreme demand surges.
By taking more proactive steps in the fall months, you’ll be able to avoid the winter rush, reduce the risk of HVAC breakdowns, and keep your home comfortable throughout the entire heating season!
Contact Apex Clean Air When You Need An HVAC Contractor In Westminster, Colorado!
Fall maintenance isn’t just about keeping your HVAC system running smoothly, because it’s also about investing in your home’s comfort, safety and long-term efficiency.
From replacing filters to sealing drafts and scheduling a professional inspection, these steps make a measurable difference when Colorado’s winter weather inevitably sets in. And for Westminster homeowners, the best way to prepare for the months ahead is to partner with a trusted local HVAC contractor like Apex Clean Air.
Our team’s expertise will go a long way to ensure that your system is fully ready for the demands of winter, which also gives you one less thing to worry about when the snow starts to fall.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 720-399-1184 to get in touch with our local HVAC contractors today!