As much as we hate to admit it, summer is coming to an end. Every day is getting shorter and shorter, and the temperatures are getting ready to drop. Before long, the leaves will begin to change and fall will be upon us. When the thermometer starts to fall, you want to make sure that your HVAC system is just as suited to the task of warming your house as it was to cooling it. Here are some basic tips for making sure your HVAC system is ready for fall—before it’s too late.

One of the most basic items on any HVAC maintenance checklist will be to check your air filters. Chances are you’ve looked at them recently, but there’s no harm in double-checking them. Air filters are very important to the operation of your HVAC system, whether you’re using it to heat or cool your home, so making sure that they’re relatively clean and in good working order is always important. This is pretty much the most basic maintenance you can do, so check them frequently and clean them or replace them as necessary.

Another tip is to find and seal any possible air leaks. The number one cause of inefficiency in HVAC systems is air leakage. If you can find and seal the places in your home where warm air gets in during the summer or escapes during the winter, you can actually end up saving money on your heating and cooling bills. Usual culprits are windows, doors, and ventilation ducts. Weather stripping and caulk can be used to seal cracks in windows and doors, while covering cracks in ventilation ducts can generally be done with aluminum or duct tape.

The final, and most drastic, tip we have for you is to consider professional maintenance. This can be a last resort, for sure, but often the best way to make sure that your system is operating at peak efficiency is to have a professional take a look at it. They can identify problem areas and make suggestions for AC repair Brandon to have your system running smoothly for the entire season.