How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Fall Temperatures

September 08, 2017

We’re saying goodbye to the hot weather. Some of you may begrudgingly drag your sweatshirts out of storage, while others have spent days trying to determine which hoodie will go best with your first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Regardless of how you approach fall, it’s on its way—and winter is on its heels. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has several tips for you that will allow you to enjoy the fall and keep your space cozy until next spring. Along with arranging your routine air conditioner service from 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., use this checklist to get ready for the change in season.

Take Care of Your Air Filter.
Your AC worked hard for you through the hot Lake Forest summer. Before you give your AC a break for the colder months, check your air filter and change it if it’s dirty. This will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently and keep dust and pollutants from circulating through your home as the seasons change.

Let Some Fresh Air In.
Now that the temperature is cooling off, open the windows and give your indoor air quality a boost. The air within your house can be several times more polluted than outdoor air, so take this opportunity to get some fresh air before winter’s chill sets in.

Be Sure Vents and Registers are Clear.
Sometimes furniture gets rearranged as you transition from outdoor living in the warmer months to being inside more as the days get cooler and shorter. Be sure that none of your vents or registers are blocked as you rearrange. This will make it more difficult for your HVAC system to do what it needs to do and could cause an unwelcomed bump in your utility costs.

Check for Air Leaks.
The heat of summer can take a toll on weather-stripping. Look around your windows and doors for leaks that could end up allowing heated air out of your home this winter. Air leaks are responsible for reducing heating efficiency and driving up your heating bills. Stop leaks by replacing caulking and weather-stripping where needed.

Schedule a Furnace Checkup.
Once your AC is ready to take a break, it’s time to focus on your winter workhorse: your furnace. Call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to schedule a preventive maintenance checkup. We’ll make sure your furnace is clean and working smoothly before winter arrives. During your preventive maintenance, we’ll also detect and let you know what needs to be done to fix any potential challenges that may come up when your furnace is working full-time.

Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector.
Before heating season starts, test your carbon monoxide detector. It is worth it to make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are operating properly and have a brand new set of batteries installed.

Once this simple checklist is done, you can sit back and take in all the beauty and fun that fall offers. Reach out to 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. and we’ll tackle some of this checklist for you. Together, we’ll ensure you head into winter with no worries about staying warm and cozy. You can call us at 949-204-0859.