Fall is the ideal time for maintenance because your HVAC system has just finished working hard through the summer and is about to switch into heating mode. Without seasonal service, you risk unexpected breakdowns during the first cold snap, higher utility bills, and reduced indoor air quality. Scheduling your routine maintenance service now means you’ll beat the rush of emergency calls when winter weather arrives.

Plan a day this fall to go through this checklist and make sure your home’s heating system is ready for colder weather.

A professional tune-up could include (depending on your system and the season) cleaning burners, testing safety controls, checking refrigerant levels, and calibrating your thermostat. Regular service helps extend your system’s lifespan and prevents surprise repairs.

Learn more about HVAC maintenance.

Fresh filters improve airflow and indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen, and other particles that build up during summer. Replace disposable filters or clean permanent filters every 30-90 days.

Start out replacing or cleaning air filters monthly and, if your filter still has good air flow, you can extend the time between filter changes by a week or so. Remember that more frequent air filter changes help your home’s air stay cleaner, and can help extend the life and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Switch your thermostat to “heat” mode and make sure your system cycles on properly. Consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat to better manage energy costs through the season.

You may notice a slight smell when you first fire up your heater. Most of the time, this is normal due to a build-up of dust. If your smoke detector goes off or you notice the smell getting stronger, or notice any other smells, shut down the system immediately and give us a call. We want you to be safe, and any out-of-the-ordinary smells (especially for home heating oil systems or propane home furnaces) need to be checked out by a professional.

Leaks in ductwork, windows, or doors allow heated air to escape, driving up your energy bills. Fall is the perfect time to tighten up your home.

Heating season requires extra safety checks. Replace batteries and test alarms in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to protect your family. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries twice a year; a handy way to remember to do this is to replace the batteries during Daylight Savings Time, usually in March and November.

As more time is spent indoors, solutions like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and whole-home air purifiers help maintain healthy air and balanced humidity. Explore indoor air quality solutions that could make your home more comfortable and improve the air your family breathes.

Service plans include annual seasonal HVAC maintenance, priority scheduling, discounts on repairs, and loyalty credits. These plans are designed to keep your system running smoothly year-round, while giving you peace of mind.

From Georgetown to Seaford and Rehoboth Beach, homeowners count on Comfort Plus Services for local, trusted care. Our Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer status, President’s Award recognition, and years of experience with Mid-Atlantic climate challenges mean your home is in capable hands.

CPS Maintenance Services, whether one-time or as part of our HVAC Service Plans, offer valuable homeowner benefits:

• Thorough system check: A NATE-certified technician inspects every major part of your heating and cooling system, helping catch small issues before they become costly repairs.
• Cleaner, more efficient performance: Removing dirt and debris and making expert adjustments keeps your system running smoothly, saving you money on energy bills.

Don’t wait until the first freeze to discover a problem. Call Comfort Plus Services now, or request a call-back using our online form, so we can help you schedule your fall seasonal HVAC maintenance. Our team is ready to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable all year long.