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Fall is definitely in the air! Pumpkin spice muffins are on the shelves, and leaves are tumbling to the ground. Fall is a lovely time to relax and spend some time outdoors, and it’s also a great season to re-prioritize HVAC maintenance. If you take some time to maintain your system while the weather is still mild, you’ll have fewer worries about repairs and malfunctions when winter arrives.
Here’s a basic, fall HVAC maintenance checklist to get you started.
When your vents sit unused for a few weeks, as they typically do in early fall, they accumulate dust. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up this dust. Not only will this keep your home cleaner, but it will also help keep dust out of your ducts and furnace components, leading to greater efficiency and a reduced need for repairs and heating replacement.
Slide a new filter into place so you’re ready to go once heating season arrives. Pleated cotton filters are a good choice for most homeowners. They trap dust, mold spores, and pet dander effectively, and they’re very affordable. Consider buying a few extras so you’re set for the entire winter. Monthly changes are advised if you have pets or if someone in your home has indoor allergies.
Clean any leaves and debris away from your outdoor AC unit. A shop vacuum works great for this purpose! Then, put the cover on your AC unit to protect it for winter. Only use a cover that’s specifically made for your air conditioner. Never wrap it in a tarp; that may just trap moisture against the unit and lead to premature corrosion. Contact your HVAC technician if you’re in need of a cover.
While your smoke detector and CO alarm are not technically part of your HVAC system, they are necessary safety components when you have an HVAC system. Test them both, or if it has been more than a year since you last changed the batteries, do so now.
You can save a lot of money on energy will a properly adjusted thermostat. Take the time to program yours for the winter months. Most people have the temperature go down, perhaps to 62 or 64 degrees, during the day when they’re not home. You can have the temperature rise again about an hour before you typically get home. The ideal thermostat setting is a matter of personal opinion, but 68 to 70 degrees F tends to be a good compromise between comfort and efficiency.
If you complete these HVAC maintenance tips this fall, you should enjoy a winter of lower energy use and few to no breakdowns. As always, don’t hesitate to contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning if you’re in need of HVAC replacement, gas boiler installation, or any other HVAC services in the Delaware Valley. Happy fall!
Blog Last Updated on August 29, 2025
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