As temperatures start to drop across North America and leaves begin to fall, homeowners everywhere are naturally starting to pay closer attention to their home’s long-term comfort and warmth.
And although a lot of us get busy during the fall months with school and holiday gatherings, it’s crucial to remember how this is the perfect time of year to get your property fully ready for the upcoming winter months.
By scheduling an HVAC service appointment in months like September and October, you can drastically reduce the overall likelihood of needing an emergency repair during months like January or February. We even recently got in touch with the HVAC service experts in Salt Lake City, Utah at Apex Clean Air to better understand how fall services improve efficiency, prevent expensive repairs, and ultimately ensure household comfort prior to winter’s arrival.
So, check out the below sections to learn more about the red flag warning signs that you should be on the lookout for now while preparing your home’s HVAC system for this quickly approaching winter!
- Unusual HVAC Noises
One of the first things that homeowners should keep in mind regarding their HVAC systems is that it’s always supposed to operate quietly.
This means that if you’re hearing any rattling, grinding, banging or squealing noises, it’s a serious red flag indicating your need for professional services.
These types of noises often indicate issues like a failing motor or loose components, and ignoring these sounds will often lead to even worse damages!
- Uneven Cooling or Heating
If some of your home’s rooms remain chilly while others quickly get cozy, it means that your HVAC system is unevenly distributing air throughout your property.
This could be the result of issues involving your system’s filters, ductwork or thermostat.
And because it’s often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of uneven cooling or heating, you’re going to want an HVAC service technician to thoroughly inspect your entire system in order to effectively restore its full functionality.
- Abnormally High Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed that your monthly utility bills have suddenly skyrocketed out of seemingly nowhere, your rising bills could actually be traced back to your HVAC system’s inefficiencies.
When your system has clogged, dirty or worn-out components, it forces everything to work a lot harder than it’s actually supposed to.
But the good news is that a routine seasonal system inspection during the fall months will get your system’s efficiency back to normal, which will subsequently lower your monthly bills this winter!
- Strange HVAC Smells
It’s normal for homeowners to notice faint burning smells when they first turn on their heating system during the fall months; however, any persistent moldy, musty odors are a whole different ball game.
These types of strange HVAC smells indicate mold development deep within your home’s ductwork, as well as wiring issues and other serious concerns that always require professional attention!
- HVAC Short Cycling
If your home’s HVAC system turns itself on and off on a frequent basis, it could be an indication that it’s not fully completing its cooling or heating cycles—which is commonly referred to as short cycling.
This common dilemma is often caused by clogged filters, malfunctioning thermostats, and all sorts of serious mechanical issues.
Not only does short cycling waste a ton of energy at your home, but it also leads to added strain on your entire system. This increases your overall likelihood of experiencing breakdowns during the heart of winter.
- Inconsistent & Weak Airflow
Be sure to place your hand near your vents during the fall months to quickly examine your HVAC system’s airflow.
If the airflow coming out of your vents feels inconsistent or weak, it could be a red flag indicating that you’re experiencing issues like ductwork leaks, a failing blower motor, or other types of system blockages.
Poor airflow forces your HVAC system to work harder, which leads to reduced comfort when you need it most.
- Your Home’s HVAC System Is Overdue For Seasonal Maintenance
It’s also important for homeowners to simply remember that they shouldn’t skip seasonal maintenance appointments, even when their HVAC system seems to be working perfectly fine.
It’s typically recommended to get your HVAC system serviced at least on a yearly basis, and fall just so happens to be a good time for these inspections because you’ll be doing your part to prepare your property for the upcoming winter.
And what’s great about seasonal HVAC maintenance is that it can sometimes help you spot lingering issues long before they end up wreaking havoc on your system during the coldest days of the year!
Why Fall HVAC Services Matter
One thing that homeowners need to keep in mind regarding fall HVAC services is that local technicians are often far less busy during months like September and October in comparison to months like November and December.
When you address your system’s needs now, you’ll reduce breakdown risks and keep your entire household comfortable by the time the first cold spells arrive.
This peace of mind is truly priceless for homeowners, so don’t wait until the first freezing nights to find out that your HVAC system isn’t ready to meet your household’s ongoing winter demands!
