The best time to service your heating system is before you actually need it — not when it's already cold and every HVAC company has a two-week wait. Here's what to do in early fall.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A fall service visit includes checking heat exchanger for cracks, cleaning burners, testing ignition, verifying carbon monoxide levels, and checking refrigerant lines if you have a heat pump. This catches problems before they leave you without heat in January.
DIY Steps You Can Take Now
- Replace air filter
- Clear debris from around outdoor heat pump unit
- Test heat mode by running the system for 15–20 minutes
- Check all vents are open and unobstructed
- Test carbon monoxide detectors
Before the First Freeze
If you have a gas furnace, check the pilot light or electronic ignition. If you have a heat pump, make sure defrost mode is working — heat pumps ice up in cold weather and the defrost cycle clears it. If ice builds up and doesn't melt, call for service.