Preparing Your HVAC for Fall

The only thing predictable about summers in Iowa is the heat. High temperatures lead to air conditioners working overtime just to keep your home comfortable. Now that it’s starting to cool off and we’re heading into the crisp fall weather, it’s the perfect time to give your HVAC system a checkup to make sure it’s in the best shape possible before the cold of winter comes.

Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed monthly to ensure both you and your HVAC system are breathing clean air. When your air filter is dirty,  your system needs to work harder just to push the air. That can mean higher energy bills and a shorter service life for the unit. 

Other Problems with Dirty Air Filters

A dirty air filter is a clogged air filter. When gunk is sitting around on an air filter, mold can start to grow. Bacteria loves dirty air filters, too. Just think of what germs can be sucked into an air filter during flu season, then dispersed throughout your home. It’s also much easier to regularly change your air filters than it is to clean your air ducts, which you’ll need to do more often when the filter is clogged.

Clean the Air Vents and Ducts

Your vents can be cluttered with dust, dirt, and allergens. That’s why it’s so important to keep your air filters clean. In fact, it’s a good rule of thumb to dust your vents when you change your air filter. Still, if you’ve purchased a new home, are experiencing allergies constantly at home, or would simply like to know that the air you’re breathing is clear, scheduling an appointment to have your air duct system cleaned is a good idea.

Insulate the Attic

When your home isn’t properly insulated, it’s not holding the temperature you’ve set well. That means you’re running your HVAC system more often than necessary and wasting money. Remember: hot air rises. In the fall and winter, when your heat is on, if your attic isn’t insulated well, all that warmth is escaping faster than it should.

Check for Hazards

Take a walk outside and check on your air conditioning unit. Make sure it’s stable, level, and that water or flooding from this summer hasn’t moved the soil around beneath it. When the air conditioner is under a tree, limbs can fall onto and into it. Check for any leaves, too, since they’re an excellent host for mold.  If you ever smell or hear strange things coming from the unit, a professional HVAC technician should be contacted right away.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

By installing a smart thermostat,  you’ll be able to program what temperature you’d like in your home down to the second. What’s that mean? Say you want your heat to keep your place at a warm 73 degrees while you’re home. You probably don’t mind if it’s a little cooler while you’re away at work, though. With a smart thermostat, you can set your heat to adjust to, say 68 degrees when you’re not home. Those energy savings add up quickly!

Replace an Old HVAC System

If your HVAC system is too old to ever really be as efficient as you’d like, it’s time to look into replacements. Cyclone Contracting is your proud Daikin Comfort Pro in Ames and we’re ready to install your new system when you are. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured your system will be installed the right way the first time.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

Having a professional HVAC technician inspect your system is always a good idea. Our pros can detect potential issues before they become serious problems and we offer several ongoing maintenance plan options. This includes discounts on high efficiency filters, repair warranties, humidifier cleaning services, and more. 

Contact Cyclone Contracting Today

Our licensed professionals serve Ames and the surrounding areas—including Ankeny. We’ve been around for over twenty years, so we’ve seen it all. We’re ready to help you find the right HVAC system and maintenance plan for your family. We’d love to hear from you, so contact us today!