Pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and the Thanksgiving turkey may all be on your mind during the early part of fall. However, this change in seasons will also cause a change in temperature, which means you may need to turn off the AC and prepare your home for heat. Because the AC season is somewhat long, your system may require a good amount of maintenance to start heating your home. With this guide, you will learn a few important steps to prepare your HVAC system for the fall season.

1. Clean Debris

Leaves and pine straw have most likely started falling outside, meaning this debris may have started accumulating around your outdoor units. This debris can clog up the units, reducing the amount of air flowing in and out of the system, which can affect the system's ability to start heating in the fall.

Inspect the area around your units, removing any debris from the exterior. If necessary, turn power off and remove the unit's cover to clean out debris lodged inside.

2. Change Filters

You should also change the filters of your system inside the home. During the summer, your air conditioning most likely ran continuously in an attempt to maintain a cool temperature inside the home. Throughout this long period of cooling, dirt, dust, and other allergens flowed through the ducts and vents, accumulating in the filters.

To ensure heated air can move into your home effectively and efficiently, the filters need to be clean. Replace all of your filters to ensure you are ready for the upcoming heating season.

3. Schedule Inspection

It is also wise to contact an HVAC contractor to schedule a seasonal inspection. During the inspection, the contractor will inspect your system to ensure it is ready for the new heating season. If any issues are found, such as an electrical issue with your heat pump or damaged ductwork, contractors will recommend repairs to restore your heating system back to a functional state.

4. Change Fans

If you have one or more ceiling fans in the home, the directions of the fan blades should be inspected and possibly adjusted. In the summer, the fan should spin counter-clockwise to push cool air down. In the fall, fan blades should spin clockwise, pushing warm air down into the room. This simple change can make a big difference in your home's comfort and energy costs.

Your home and heating system can be ready for the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. This guide will help you get prepared for the cooler seasons. For more information choosing heat pumps for your home, contact your local HVAC company today.