Summer’s end is drawing near, and the fall months are right around the corner! It’s the perfect time to tackle some home maintenance tasks to protect your HVAC throughout the winter. Here’s an easy checklist to prepare your home for the chilly temperatures ahead.

☑ Replace your HVAC system’s air filter, and check it monthly. If it looks dirty and clogged, it’s past time to replace it.

☑ Clear at least two feet around your outside air conditioning unit to ensure adequate airflow and prevent debris from damaging it.

☑ Reverse your ceiling fans to help recirculate warm air away from the ceiling and back down into your living space.

☑ Inspect your windows and doors. Seal any cracks or gaps you find to prevent air leaks and enhance your furnace’s heating efficiency.

☑ Put new batteries in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Neighborly Tip: Set a calendar reminder on your smartphone, so you’ll remember to do this each year. Set another one for your filter, while you’re at it!

☑ Don’t close more than 20% of your home’s vents, and keep all furniture and other obstructions away from your returns or registers. Blocking them will strain your HVAC system and prevent the heated air from reaching the rest of the room.

☑ Schedule an annual furnace tune-up. Our expert HVAC technicians will clean your system’s blower compartment, tighten wire connections, clean and adjust the burners, replace the filter if necessary, and inspect the heat exchanger, gas pressure and flame level, and pilot light or igniter.

Your home’s HVAC system requires regular, professional maintenance to maintain optimal performance and efficiency. So, schedule your furnace tune-up now, and avoid a furnace failure during the coldest months of the year! Call Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling today at 844-HEY-NEIGHBOR.