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What Are the Top Signs You Need HVAC System Maintenance This Fall?
Unusual noises, skyrocketing energy bills, uneven heating or weak airflow are all red flags your HVAC system needs maintenance. Signs like musty odors, visible mold or clogged air filters also signal trouble. Catching these early can help ensure a warm, cozy home during winter.
Falling leaves, cozy sweaters and … your HVAC unit crying for help? Fall may be pumpkin spice season, but it’s also prime time to get your heating system in tip-top shape to tackle the cold months ahead.
Spotting signs that your HVAC system might need some attention can save you from winter headaches and big repair bills as a homeowner. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to give your HVAC a little love this fall.
Why fall is the ideal time for HVAC maintenance?
Fall is all about preparation. Just like you wouldn’t wait until the blizzard hits to buy a winter coat, you shouldn’t wait to discover your heater is on strike. Scheduling HVAC service in the fall is proactive and economical, making sure you’re not dealing with an HVAC problem during a cold snap.
- Stay ahead of the rush: HVAC technicians are swamped in summer with AC maintenance requests and in the winter with heater issues. Fall is the ideal window for getting things tuned up.
- Prepare for winter: Early maintenance ensures your system is ready to keep your home warm when you need it most, and will help prevent unwanted costs and future problems.
- Boost indoor air quality: Fall means more time indoors, but pesky allergens like dust and pollen don’t take a day off. A well-maintained HVAC system with the right filter can help keep your indoor air cleaner and fresher all season long.
When should I call an HVAC professional?
Your HVAC unit may not use words, but it sure knows how to communicate when something is wrong. Learn to spot its clues because ignoring them could leave you shivering this winter. Here’s what to look out for:
- Unusual or strange noises:¹ Banging, screeching, buzzing — your HVAC system may be trying to get your attention. Odd sounds can indicate anything from loose parts to failing motors.
- Increased energy bills:² Notice a bigger dent in your wallet? If your utility bills suddenly took off faster than normal this time of year, your system might be working overtime due to inefficiencies like clogged filters or worn-out components.
- Dirty or clogged filters:³ Filters that look like they’ve been in a dust storm aren’t just gross; they’re bad for your system. Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder, decreasing airflow and reducing efficiency.
- Temperature or humidity issues:² If your house feels hotter or more humid in some rooms and chilly in others, your HVAC system isn’t performing at its peak. Uneven heating or humidity problems can point to underlying issues like poor calibration or ductwork troubles.
- Reduced airflow or uneven heating:¹,²,³ If you’re feeling weaker airflow or noticing cold spots, there’s likely a blockage or malfunction. Air filters? Obstructions? Something deeper in the system? Time to check it out.
- Visible or suspected mold, water stains or musty odors:² If you’re catching a whiff of mustiness or spotting water stains, moisture could be seeping where it shouldn’t. Mold growth or condensation issues might stem from blocked drainage in your HVAC system.
Consult an HVAC technician to help evaluate the condition of existing HVAC system components. Diagnosing your HVAC system could point to issues with the furnace, boiler, cooling equipment, air handler, heat pump, ductwork or various other elements.
How can Filtrete™ Air Filters make a difference?
Reliable airflow in your home is crucial for both your comfort and the efficiency of your HVAC system, and Filtrete™ Air Filters are designed with this in mind. Unlike some high-efficiency filters that may restrict airflow, Filtrete™ high efficiency filters use high-quality materials with high pleat count and advanced electrostatic technology to capture even the tiniest airborne particles, ensuring optimal airflow without compromising on filtration performance. This means your HVAC system can operate efficiently, keeping energy costs low while delivering cleaner indoor air — so you get the best of both worlds. Filtrete™ is the only brand with the 3M-proprietary Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) for the capture of particles between 0.3-1 micron. We didn't think the industry standards went far enough, so we made our own. The only brand with MPR + MERV filter ratings for capturing both large and microscopic particles on every pleated filter.
MPR 1900 filters: Filtrete™ MPR 1900 Premium Allergen, Bacteria & Virus Air Filters are designed with Filtrete’s 3-in-1 technology to capture unwanted particles like dust, bacteria and viruses, allowing cleaner air to flow through. With a higher performance level, these filters are ideal for maintaining a comfortable home environment while helping protect your HVAC system from buildup. Versatile and efficient, they work seamlessly with furnaces, air conditioners and other HVAC systems.
Treat your HVAC system to some pampering this fall by swapping out your filters with our MPR 1900 air filters, calling in the HVAC professionals and scheduling regular check-ups to ensure your system is ready for seasonal shifts.
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