It’s officially the Fall season. Fall is that transitional period where the weather fluctuates quite often, but the colder temperatures really shine through. It’s also that transitional period for your HVAC system. As we exit cooling season and enter heating season, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare your HVAC system for the cold temperatures ahead.

Step 1: Schedule a Maintenance Appointment

Fall is the perfect season to schedule a maintenance appointment for your HVAC system because it allows you to provide your cooling system with the necessary maintenance needed to close your system off while preparing your heating system for the new season ahead. Additionally, Fall is a period of time that tends to be less hectic for HVAC contractors, allowing you to have more flexibility with scheduling your appointment. More importantly, Fall is a season with great HVAC discounts and specials, so if you find out that your furnace won’t last you through the winter ahead, now is the perfect time to purchase and install a new system. Regardless, maintenance is essential for your HVAC system, so make sure the first thing you do is schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Step 2: Winterize your AC & Home
Your air conditioner won’t be used until next year; as we close off the cooling season, it’s also time to close off your AC. Winterize your AC by booking a maintenance appointment to ensure that your AC does not need any repairs prior to closing off. Furthermore, you may cover the unit with a waterproof cover to avoid debris and snow collecting during the next few months.

Heating a home with drafts and poor insulation will result in a hefty electricity bill. Now is the perfect time to winterize your home to ensure you’re preventing cool air into your home once temperatures drop.

Step 3: Change your Air Filters
Air filters need to be changed every 30 to 90 days to ensure appropriate airflow, proper system functionality, and good air quality. Use this transitional time to replace all old summer air filters with new air filters for the winter season.

Step 4: Test your System
Before your maintenance appointment, it’s a good idea to test your heating system to make sure it is working accordingly. Turn on your furnace and ensure warm air flows through all the vents. Make any notes of abnormalities on your unit if noticed.

Step 5: Make All Necessary Repairs
This step will likely go hand-in-hand during your maintenance appointment. However, if you notice any unusual signs during your testing period, make sure to mention them to your HVAC technician. It is imperative that you conduct all necessary repairs now before the winter season begins. You don’t want to start the heating season with a poorly functioning heating system risking the comfort of your home and family.

Maple Air Heating and Cooling, proudly serving the Greater Toronto Area, is happy to assist you in preparing your HVAC system for the colder season ahead. Give us a call today for any heating or cooling questions, as well as to schedule your annual maintenance appointment.