Prepare Your HVAC System for Fall and Winter in Chesterton

Sep 25, 2025

As fall arrives in Chesterton and the temperatures start to dip, preparing your HVAC system becomes essential to ensure your home stays comfortable and safe throughout the coming months. A well-maintained system not only offers peace of mind but also helps you avoid untimely repairs and excess energy costs. With this guide, you’ll have the tools you need to get your HVAC system ready for the winter chill, keeping your home warm and efficient no matter how low the temperature drops.

Need professional help preparing your HVAC system for winter? Contact Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling for expert services in Chesterton. Get a FREE service call with any paid repair for a limited time! (Terms and conditions apply).

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Scheduling your HVAC maintenance before winter weather settles in can make the transition to heating season seamless and stress-free. Here are the essential steps to ensure your home is as warm and welcoming as possible throughout the coldest months.

Update Your Thermostat Settings

With the crisp autumn air settling over the Chesterton area, it’s time to switch your thermostat from cooling to heating. Setting your thermostat to a comfortable 70 degrees while at home, and dropping it to around 62 degrees when you are away, helps maintain comfort while preventing energy waste. Smart thermostats can also be programmed to suit your family’s schedule for extra efficiency.

Replace Air Filters for Peak Performance

Clean air filters are crucial to effective heating and healthy indoor air. During fall, inspect your HVAC system’s air filters and replace them if they are dirty or clogged. This small step keeps dust, pet dander, and other particles out of your system and away from your living spaces, prolonging the life of your unit while keeping the air inside your home fresh.

Inspect Ductwork for Leaks and Blockages

Leaky ductwork is a hidden culprit for heat loss, making your system work harder and increasing utility bills. Carefully inspect your home’s ducts for holes or gaps, especially in attics or basements where temperature differences can encourage leaks. If you discover any issues, contact a professional to seal and repair them, ensuring your heating system operates at its most efficient throughout winter.

Clean and Check Air Vents

Walk through your home to make sure all vents and registers are open, clean, and unblocked. Dust and debris can accumulate over summer, restricting airflow and reducing the warmth circulated through your rooms. Moving furniture, curtains, or rugs away from vents enhances your home’s heating effectiveness.

Clear Around Outdoor Units

Fallen leaves, grass clippings, or debris can gather around your outdoor HVAC unit and reduce performance. Gently clear the area around your unit—and check for any cobwebs or dust buildup on interior components as well. Good airflow around both indoor and outdoor units is essential for optimal system function.

Inspect the Furnace for Wear

Before you rely on your furnace to heat your home, give it a thorough inspection. Shut off the power, then check for visible signs of damage such as rust, corrosion, or cracks, especially on the heat exchanger and flue pipe. Tighten any loose connections and ensure all components are secure. If you’re unsure, having a professional perform a full inspection is always a wise step.

Check the Pilot Light

A healthy furnace should have a blue, steady pilot light. If yours appears yellow, orange, or flickers, it may indicate a combustion problem or the presence of carbon monoxide—a serious safety issue. Never ignore unusual pilot light behavior. Call a trusted HVAC professional to inspect and correct any issues to maintain safe operation.

Test Safety Devices

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are lifesaving safety devices. Autumn is the perfect time to test each detector, replace batteries as needed, and make sure alarms are working properly. Experts recommend replacing batteries every six months to keep your home protected year-round.

Recognizing Early Signs of Heating Problems

Catching HVAC trouble early can prevent major disruptions and costly repairs. Watch for these common signs of heating issues as you transition into winter:

Odd Noises or Unusual Smells

Banging, rattling, squealing, or any unusual noises from your furnace may signal mechanical problems or parts wearing out. Unpleasant or persistent odors—such as burning wire or musty smells—could mean there’s compromised wiring or trapped moisture. If you ever notice the smell of rotten eggs near your furnace, evacuate immediately and call for emergency service, as this could indicate a dangerous natural gas leak.

Inconsistent Heating

Do some rooms in your home stay cool while others become overly warm? Uneven temperature distribution is often caused by failing blowers, blocked vents, or duct issues. Addressing these minor issues early can save you time and money later.

Unexplained High Utility Bills

A sudden jump in energy costs often points to an inefficient or malfunctioning furnace. Older systems—especially those over 15 years—may require additional repairs or even replacement to maintain optimal performance and affordable energy bills.

Improve Your Home’s Insulation and Sealing

Even the most advanced HVAC system can’t do its job efficiently if your home isn’t properly sealed and insulated. Before winter sets in, take some time to:

Apply weatherstripping and caulk to any gaps around windows and doors to reduce drafts.
Check attic insulation and add more if it doesn’t meet the recommended depth of at least 10-14 inches.
Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use, and direct warm air to high-traffic rooms by closing vents in unused spaces and keeping those doors shut.

A well-insulated home helps you get the most out of your HVAC system and reduces heating costs when temperatures drop in Chesterton.

Prepare for the Cold with Help from Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Prepping your HVAC system before the winter chill arrives protects against unexpected breakdowns and keeps your home comfortable season after season. Being proactive with maintenance not only guards your investment but also contributes to lower heating bills and better energy efficiency.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling proudly serves the Chesterton area with expert inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacement services. Our goal is to keep your home safe, warm, and efficient, no matter how cold it gets outside.

Ready to start your fall maintenance or need a professional to ensure your system is winter-ready? Call us at (219) 797-6122 or schedule your service online. Our team is here to help you make the most of every season in Chesterton—don’t wait until the cold sets in to get started!