Preparing Your HVAC System for Fall and Winter in New Albany

Sep 25, 2025

As the vibrant hues of autumn start to blanket New Albany, homeowners know it’s time to get ready for the approaching colder months. Dropping temperatures signal the need to prepare your heating system and ensure your home remains comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the winter. Taking preventative steps to maintain your HVAC system not only keeps the chill at bay but also helps you avoid expensive emergency repairs and high energy bills during the heart of the season.

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Essential Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Addressing HVAC maintenance before the arrival of the season’s first frost can make all the difference for your comfort and wallet. Adopting a proactive approach helps keep your heating system running efficiently and reliably. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the fall transition:

Adjust Thermostat Settings

As days become cooler, take a moment to switch your thermostat over to heating mode. For most households, a comfortable setting is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re at home and awake. When you’re away or asleep, lowering your thermostat by about 7-8 degrees can significantly reduce energy usage and lower monthly bills without sacrificing comfort.

Replace Your Air Filter

A clean air filter is your HVAC system’s first defense against dust, pet dander, and indoor pollutants. At the beginning of fall, swap out your air filter to ensure optimal airflow and indoor air quality. Clogged or dirty filters can force your system to work harder, potentially shortening its lifespan and increasing your energy costs.

Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Over time, small leaks can develop in your home’s ductwork, causing heated air to escape before it reaches your living spaces. Examine any accessible ducts for signs of gaps, loose connections, or holes. While some visible leaks may be easily sealed with duct mastic or foil tape, significant leaks or hard-to-reach areas are best addressed by an HVAC professional.

Clean and Unblock Air Vents

Proper airflow is essential to an efficient heating system. Go through your home and make sure all supply and return vents are clean, open, and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. Dust and debris around vents can also impede airflow—giving these areas a good cleaning at the start of the season prevents unnecessary strain on your system.

Keep Furnace and Outdoor Unit Clear

Indoor HVAC components, like furnaces or air handlers, should be surrounded by a clutter-free area to support good air circulation and reduce dust buildup. Outside, make sure your heat pump or any external A/C unit is cleared of leaves, branches, and lawn debris, which can block airflow and hamper performance.

Inspect the Furnace for Wear

Safety comes first when inspecting your furnace. After turning off its power supply, check for any obvious signs of wear: rust, cracks, or corrosion on the heat exchanger and flue pipe, as well as leaks or loose connections. If you spot anything unusual or concerning, schedule a professional assessment to ensure safe operation.

Monitor the Pilot Flame

For homes with older furnaces that use a standing pilot light, observe the flame—it should appear steady and blue. If the flame flickers often or appears yellow or orange, this may indicate issues with combustion or ventilation. Abnormal flame colors can signal dangerous conditions, so arrange for immediate inspection if you notice any irregularities.

Test Home Safety Devices

As your furnace and heating appliances get more use during colder weather, make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order. Test each device and replace batteries if needed, following a six-month schedule for battery changes to maintain continuous protection.

Spotting Signs of Heating System Troubles

Understanding the warning signs of HVAC problems helps you prevent breakdowns before the weather turns harsh. Watch for the following indicators that your furnace may need attention:

Strange Noises or Unusual Odors: Squealing, banging, or rattling from your heating system can signal mechanical issues, while persistent musty or burning smells may indicate dust buildup, overheating, or the start of a wiring problem. If you smell rotten eggs (sulfur), it could point to a gas leak—leave the home immediately and contact emergency services.
Poor Heating Performance: If some rooms feel colder than others or you notice lukewarm air coming from vents, the furnace could be underperforming due to a blocked filter, weak blower, or faulty thermostat.
Frequent Cycling or High Utility Bills: Furnaces cycling on and off more often than usual, or sudden unexplained increases in your energy bills, may point to declining efficiency or the need for maintenance. Units over 15 years old tend to encounter these issues more frequently, making an upgrade a worthwhile consideration for long-term savings.

Boosting Comfort with Insulation and Sealing

Even the most reliable furnace will work overtime if your home is losing heat through gaps and poor insulation. Enhance your home’s efficiency and comfort by taking these additional steps:

Apply weatherstripping or caulk to any drafts around windows and doors.
Ensure adequate attic insulation, aiming for at least 10 to 14 inches of insulation for best results.
Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use and close off vents in underused rooms to focus heat where you need it most.

Attending to these often-overlooked details ensures that your heating system’s efforts aren’t wasted and that your energy bills remain manageable.

Schedule Your Fall HVAC Tune-Up with Summers PHC

Getting your home ready for winter in New Albany is easier and more affordable when you schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance with Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our experienced local team is dedicated to ensuring your heating system runs smoothly and efficiently all season long. Don’t wait for a cold-weather breakdown to disrupt your comfort or safety.

Summers PHC Is Your New Albany Heating Partner Stay ahead of winter’s chill with the help of Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our local experts offer trusted maintenance, repairs, and efficiency solutions, ensuring you’re warm and comfortable no matter how cold it gets. Take advantage of our latest savings and schedule your seasonal tune-up today. Call us at 812-944-3969 or request service online to protect your comfort and peace of mind this winter.