Preparing Your HVAC for a Pacific Northwest Fall (Everything You Need to Know)

As the season transitions from summer to fall in the Pacific Northwest, the weather becomes wetter and cooler. The falling leaves and lower temperatures also remind homeowners that it’s that time of the year: preparing the HVAC for winter!

Let’s learn why being proactive about HVAC maintenance helps keep the system running smoothly throughout the coldest months.

Pacific Northwest HVAC Fall Maintenance Tips

Preparing your HVAC for cold weather is crucial if you want to keep your home comfortably warm. HVAC maintenance ensures seamless performance, addresses potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs, prolongs lifespan, and promotes efficiency.

Below, check out the top HVAC maintenance tips for homeowners across Puget Sound.

Clean or Replace the Air Filters

Fall is the ideal time to inspect the air filters. If they’re reusable, clean them by rinsing or vacuuming them. This is crucial as clogged filters impede airflow, lower energy efficiency, and worsen indoor air quality.

A good rule of thumb is to replace the filters every three months if they’re disposable or very soiled. Sometimes, especially during high-use seasons like fall and winter, monthly replacement may be required. If you have allergies, pets, or live in an area with significant tree cover, such as Maple Valley or Everett, frequent replacement may also be necessary.

This practice keeps the system running efficiently and removes dust and mold spores, ensuring optimal comfort and health.

Remove Debris from the External Units

Seasonal debris, like dirt, fallen leaves, and twigs, may be clogging the external units, preventing a smooth transition into the heating season. By cleaning the units with a soft brush or a garden hose, you’ll reduce the risk of poor airflow and overworking the unit.

Don’t forget to continue checking the external units every month or so, and more frequently after storms. Also, if there is any vegetation nearby, trim it to maintain at least two to three feet of clearance.

Set the Thermostat

As the temperature drops, check the thermostat settings and adjust them for the cooler weather. This will ensure maximum comfort in your home and lower energy expenses as you switch to heating.

Installing a programmable or a smart thermostat is a great idea. It allows you to set up the temperature according to your schedule, ensuring efficiency and comfort at all times.

The Greener Cleaner Heating HVAC team of experts recommends using the setback settings on smart thermostats. This option automatically lowers the temperature during sleep or when everyone is away from home.

Resolve Leaks and Drafts

Did you know that drafts can make a significant difference in the amount of effort the HVAC has to put in, especially during the cold fall evenings in the Pacific Northwest? Air leaks around doors, ductwork, and windows contribute to high utility bills, as well as uneven temperatures and energy waste.

With this in mind, check your home before the fall to see if there’s any cold air coming through the windows, doors, or baseboards. If there are gaps, seal them with weather stripping, caulking, or insulation.

Don’t forget to inspect the exposed ductwork in attics, basements, or crawl spaces and seal leaks using foil-backed or mastic tape.

Check the Heating on Time

Late summer and early fall are the best times to check the heating system. This ensures you can tackle any issues before you need the home to be as warm as possible. To perform a test, turn on the heat and run it for a full cycle. Look for unusual sounds, odd smells, and weak airflow from the vents.

If something doesn’t seem right, address the problem ASAP. Greener Cleaner Heating provides 24/7 emergency HVAC service throughout the Puget Sound region. You will never stay stuck in the cold, because we've got you covered.

Consider an Upgrade

If you have an HVAC system older than 15 years that breaks down and is unable to maintain a comfortable temperature, consider upgrading it. This is important because the older the unit is, the less efficient it becomes, resulting in higher energy bills and areas in the home that will be too warm or too cold.

Smarter and more energy-efficient systems offer significant benefits like increased comfort, reduced costs, and a lower carbon footprint.

Call the Pros

If you changed the filters, cleaned the debris, and closed the drafts, it’s time to call the professionals for a thorough HVAC fall inspection. These trained technicians can spot the smallest problems before they become major troubles.

They will check the blower motor, heat exchanger, thermostat, electrical connections, and all other essential components to ensure the system works in unison.

Greener Cleaner Heating’s team of licensed, insured technicians based in Auburn and available throughout the Puget Sound region offers HVAC inspection and repairs. Known for fast response time and eco-friendly practices, they help homeowners achieve unmatched comfort in their homes throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

As beautiful as the fall in the Pacific Northwest is, it’s also a critical season to check if your home is prepared for the coldest months. With a simple fall HVAC checklist, you can keep the system protected, optimize indoor comfort, and avoid the need for costly repairs during the coldest months. This ensures optimal indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and a fully functioning HVAC system.

Although you can prepare your HVAC yourself, the most effective solution to keep things running effortlessly is to book your seasonal HVAC service. Professional HVAC tune-up in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t just prolong the system’s lifespan, but also ensures its readiness for the winter.

Looking for an HVAC inspection in the Puget Sound region? Greener Cleaner Heating is at your disposal. We’re fully licensed and insured, providing same-day service and a 24/7 emergency team.

Call 25-246-1093 today or book your fall tune-up online.

FAQs

How to prepare your HVAC system for the fall?

It’s simple: follow our fall HVAC checklist. It includes cleaning/replacing the air filters, removing debris from the external unit, and sealing air drafts. If you’re still having issues, a professional HVAC inspection in the Pacific Northwest can help.

What time of the year is best for HVAC service?

Fall and spring are the best times of the year for an HVAC service. The spring HVAC inspection optimizes the cooling system for the upcoming summer, whereas the fall one ensures the heating system is functional for the coldest months.

How many years is an HVAC good for?

Generally speaking, most HVAC systems last between 10 and 15 years. The more regularly the system is maintained, the longer its lifespan will be. An upgrade may be necessary if an aging and inefficient unit requires frequent repairs.